During his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Leo XIV reminded the world: “Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats, nor with weapons, which sow destruction, pain, and death, but only through a reasonable, authentic, and responsible dialogue.”
In light of the expanding military conflict in the Middle East, I invite the faithful of our diocese to join our voices with the Holy Father in praying for responsible dialogue and a peaceful resolution to this troubling warfare.
In particular, I encourage all of us to unite with Pope Leo XIV’s March prayer intention: that nations move toward effective disarmament — especially nuclear disarmament — and that world leaders choose dialogue and diplomacy over violence.
As we continue our Lenten journey, and as we hold in prayer our own military personnel and the people of the Middle East — the land of Jesus, the Prince of Peace — may we strive to be, and encourage others to be, people of peace: in our hearts, in our homes, in our communities, in our nation, and throughout the world.