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Pope Leo XIV has urged a global effort to eliminate false narratives that contribute to ongoing wars, conflicts, and violence. Addressing the plenary assembly of ROACO, a Vatican coalition of Catholic charities, the Pope emphasized the lethal consequences of fake news. "People must not die because of fake news," he stated.
During his audience at the Vatican on June 26, Pope Leo expressed concern over the prevailing notion that "might makes right" in today's world. He criticized this mindset for legitimizing self-interest pursuits and lamented that international and humanitarian laws seem to be losing their binding force. "This is unworthy of our humanity, shameful for all mankind and for the leaders of nations," he said.
The ROACO assembly focused on Middle Eastern regions such as Gaza, Armenia, Syria, Ethiopia, Ukraine, and other areas where the Vatican is intensifying its diplomatic efforts. Coordinated by the Dicastery for Eastern Churches, ROACO supports Eastern-rite churches globally as well as the Latin Church in North Africa and the Middle East.
"Our hearts bleed when we think of Ukraine, the tragic and inhumane situation in Gaza and the Middle East," Pope Leo remarked. He called on everyone to investigate these conflicts' real causes while rejecting false narratives resulting from emotional manipulation.
Pope Leo questioned beliefs in war as a means to peace: "After centuries of history, how can anyone believe that acts of war bring about peace?" He also challenged notions that military supremacy resolves issues rather than exacerbating them with greater hatred.
Highlighting economic concerns related to conflict, Pope Leo noted how funds could be redirected from arms trading towards building infrastructure like hospitals and schools instead of destruction. He urged Christians to express outrage and work towards peace through dialogue while emphasizing prayer's importance: "It is up to us to make every tragic news story...a cry of intercession before God."
He encouraged people of faith not to fall into power's grasp but instead emulate Christ's love demonstrated on the cross. Additionally, Pope Leo advocated for increased awareness within Catholicism about Eastern Christian traditions which remain largely unknown or lifeless in some areas.
To bridge this gap between faith traditions further effectively requires introducing basic courses on Eastern churches across seminaries and theological faculties alongside fostering encounters with Eastern Catholics now residing nearby due to migration challenges.
