Pope Leo XIV Highlights Peace and Human Dignity in First Year as Pontiff

Tue, 05 May 2026 01:16:00 +0200

Since his election on May 8, 2025, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has emphasized themes of peace and human dignity as central to his pontificate. From his first public words quoting Christ, “Peace be with you,” Leo has consistently advocated for nonviolent solutions and patient dialogue over military action. He has criticized wars in the Middle East, particularly the conflict involving Israel, Gaza, and Iran, and has opposed collective punishment and forced displacement of civilians. This approach has occasionally put him at odds with U.S. political leaders, highlighting his commitment to humanitarian principles over political alignment. Pope Leo has also focused on human dignity, drawing attention to the challenges faced by migrants, the poor, and marginalized communities worldwide. Influenced by his decades of missionary work in Peru, he has reinforced the Church’s mission to protect, welcome, and integrate those rejected by society. In addition, he has addressed the ethical