Pope Leo XIV Urges End to Wars via Dialogue at Vigil

VATICAN CITY - Pope Leo XIV delivered a fervent appeal for peace on Saturday during a prayer vigil at St. Peter's Basilica, condemning the "delusion of omnipotence" fueling global conflicts and urging world leaders to halt wars through dialogue rather than military escalation. The address, one of his most direct yet, came as the United States and Iran launched historic face-to-face negotiations in Pakistan amid a fragile two-week ceasefire in their seven-week war, which has claimed thousands of lives and disrupted global markets.

In measured but impassioned tones, the 70-year-old pontiff, the first American-born pope elected last May after the death of his predecessor, called on nations to reject the idolatry of self, money and power. "Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!" he declared. "True strength is shown in serving life." Leo implored leaders to "stop" and convene at tables of mediation, not rearmament, emphasizing that faith could unite humanity against a world where "there never seem to be enough graves" due to ongoing violence.

The pope did not name specific countries or figures, but his remarks appeared to address the...