Between the Dream of Peace in the World and the Preservation of Human Dignity

Pope Leo XIV Begins His Papacy with A Hopeful Human Vision

Photo: Vatican News Website.

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

A heavenly joy is being witnessed by believers around the world. An awaited joy was manifested by the white smoke that rose from the Sistine Chapel. The new Supreme Pontiff appeared and, with his compassionate smile, blessed the people of God who eagerly awaited his first appearance. He is Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, the first Augustinian Pope, who today succeeds the Late Pope Francis.

A great responsibility falls on the Pope of the Catholic Church amidst a world witnessing turmoil, conflicts, and painful events. The people of the earth are thirsty for someone to heal their wounds and ease the burden of the crises that weigh them down. The world is in danger, and the new Pope faces enormous challenges. Since his election, the media has been publishing analyses and data that identify the issues he might address.

But how true is the information circulating? Are the analysts more knowledgeable than the Vatican?

The Holy See is fully aware of the current and urgent issues facing the world. Let us await the latest official developments and pray for the Supreme Pontiff, so that God may grant him His grace in fulfilling his lofty mission.

Today, Pope Leo XIV guides the Church against which the gates of hell will not prevail. He is inspired by the life of his predecessor, Pope Francis who was dedicated to service, and renews his commitment to the path that the universal Church has been following for decades, enlightened by the Second Vatican Council.

Human Dignity First

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is the 267th Successor of Saint Peter the Apostle. He took the name Leo XIV, joining a group of 13 previous Popes who bore that name. But is there any significance to this choice?

The new Pope revealed the reason for choosing the name Leo XIV during his first meeting of its kind since his election on the throne of Saint Peter, with the members of the College of Cardinals in the Apostolic Palace. He explained that there are several reasons, but the primary reason is that Pope Leo XIII addressed the social issue in the midst of the first industrial revolution, in his historic encyclical, Rerum Novarum.

Hence, His Holiness indicates that the Church today makes available to everyone its heritage of the social doctrine in order to respond to a new industrial revolution and the developments of artificial intelligence, with the challenges they pose in defending human dignity, justice, and work.

In fact, the Pope chose his name at a time when human dignity is threatened and human rights are being violated due to human tragedies that raise several questions, most notably: When will humanity regain its lost humanity?

A question we pose to the concerned people, but the cause of humanity and every human being remains at the heart of the Holy See's priorities. The Supreme Pontiff is a humble servant of God and of our brothers and sisters who are struggling with injustice and oppression.

A Call for Peace

In light of this tragic scene immersed in pain, hate speech, and divisions around the world, Pope Leo XIV, in his second appearance after his election, from Saint Peter's Square, wanted to express his closeness to all those who are suffering and are marginalized. He issued a call for peace at the Regina Coeli, on Sunday, calling in his address " Never again war!".

In this context, His Holiness tuned to Gaza, expressing his sorrow over the painful events taking place there, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the provision of humanitarian aid to the exhausted civilian population, and the release of all hostages.

His Holiness also noted that he carries in his heart the suffering of the Ukrainian people, emphasizing the need to exert efforts and work diligently to achieve a true, just, and lasting peace as quickly as possible. He also called for the release of all prisoners and the return of children to their families.

In the same context, Pope Leo XIV expressed his satisfaction at receiving news of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, affirming his hope that the upcoming talks would lead to a speedy and lasting agreement.

The Supreme Pontiff also prayed to the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, entrusting this call for peace to her, so that she may present it to the Lord Jesus and obtain for us the miracle of peace.

True peace can only be achieved through concerted efforts and diligent work to save the people who are still suffering from wars, conflicts, and crises on all sides.

Amidst all these tragedies, Pope Leo XIV affirmed in his Homily during the Divine Liturgy he presided over with the Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, that Jesus Christ, the One Savior, remains the true answer to humanity's thirst for meaning, mercy, and dignity.

While waiting for the restoration of this dignity, Prayer remains more powerful than all discussions, debates, and new events!