Pope Leo's appeals for peace

In light of recent public commentary surrounding the Holy Father’s appeals for peace, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (CCCB) Communications Service wishes to reiterate several principles of Catholic teaching that remain especially relevant in times of war and international tension. 
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• Pope Leo’s witness in such moments is moral and pastoral, not partisan. His words remind the world that peace is never advanced by contempt, that leadership requires restraint, and that the suffering of innocent people should always be avoided as much as possible. 

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• Catholic teaching holds that war is subject to strict conditions of moral legitimacy. The use of force cannot be presumed to be just a priori; it must satisfy grave and demanding criteria, and may be considered only as a last resort. Even where force is judged permissible, the protection of civilians remains a fundamental obligation. The destruction of essential civilian infrastructure and the resulting suffering of non-combatants are to be avoided. 

• ​​It is also important to recall that imagery or rhetoric presenting political leaders in terms that belong uniquely to Christ and His saving work is wholly unfitting. In addition to being disrespectful, such representations blur the proper distinction between faith and political power, distorting the meaning of both. 

As a Catholic institution with a national mandate, the CCCB does not intervene in the internal political affairs of other countries. At the same time, recent events make it opportune to underscore the moral principles that should inform public life everywhere, including truthfulness, humility, reverence, and concern for the innocent. 

The faithful in Canada are encouraged to continue praying for the Holy Father, for peace among nations, and for all who suffer because of war. 

Source: Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

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Photo: Vatican News

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At his first Easter Urbi et Orbi, Pope Leo XIV pleaded: "Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!" - Read more
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• On April 11, he led a worldwide Prayer Vigil for Peace from St. Peter's Basilica, reminding the faithful that "prayer is not a refuge in which to hide from our responsibilities, nor an anesthetic to numb the pain provoked by so much injustice. Rather, it is the most selfless, universal and transformative response to death: we are a people who are already risen!" Read: Prayer Vigil for Peace, 11 April 2026. His ongoing appeal has been simple and direct: "Pray for peace, work for peace, less hatred." (Vatican News, 4 March 2026)
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• Read: Catechism of the Catholic Church: Safeguarding Peace
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We invite all the faithful to heed the Holy Father's call and to pray for an end to war, for the protection of innocent life, and for the conversion of hearts.