Pope Leo XIV has called for renewed global solidarity with the Eastern Catholic Churches, which he described as “so precious and so greatly afflicted.”
The pontiff lamented on the persistent violence and misunderstanding suffered by the Eastern Churches, including marginalisation inside the global Catholic community itself.
He decried the growing disregard for international and humanitarian law and criticised the worldwide trend toward militarisation, manipulation, and the prioritisation of power over peace.
Urging world leaders to desert rhetoric that fuels division and as a substitute embrace dialogue, compassion, and the common good, Pope Leo XIV warned: “People must not die because of pretend news.
“It is actually distressing to see the principle of ‘might makes right’ prevailing in so many situations today, all for the sake of legitimising the pursuit of self-interest.
“After centuries of history, how can anyone consider that acts of war bring about peace and never backfire on those that commit them?
“How can we expect that we’re laying the foundations of the longer term aside from cooperation and a worldwide vision inspired by the common good?
“How can we proceed to betray the need of the world’s peoples for peace with propaganda about weapons buildup, as if military supremacy will resolve problems as a substitute of fuelling even greater hatred and desire for revenge?”
He commended the perseverance of the faithful in regions blighted by hardship and conflict, praising their deep spiritual traditions and liturgical richness.
The pontiff also expressed sorrow over the recent attack on the Church of Saint Elias in Damascus, Syria, while also acknowledging the resilience and faith of Christians who “reply to evil with good.”
Addressing the Reunion of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches (ROACO), the Pope emphasised that the work of supporting Eastern Churches just isn’t merely a task, but a joyful mission rooted within the Gospel.
Quoting Scripture – “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7) – the Pope expressed gratitude to the ROACO agencies and their benefactors for sowing “seeds of hope” in lands stricken by war, hatred, and destruction.
Highlighting the dire situations in regions like Gaza, Ukraine, and the broader Middle East, he remarked: “You provide a breath of oxygen to the Eastern Churches, so worn down by the conflicts in course.
“For many individuals, poor in means, but wealthy in faith, you’re a lightweight that shines amid dark shadows of hatred.”
Reflecting on the Christian response to suffering, he called for prayer, advocacy, and above all, witness.
He urged Christians to follow the instance of Christ, who responded to evil with love and forgiveness fairly than power.
“Let us look to Jesus, who calls us to heal the injuries of history solely by the gentle power of his glorious cross, which radiates the strength of forgiveness, the hope of recent beginnings, and the resolve to stay honest and transparent in a sea of corruption,” the Pope said.
“Let us follow Christ, who freed hearts from hatred, and show by our example the way to break freed from the mindset of division and revenge.”
He emphasised the importance of teaching the broader Church concerning the heritage of the Eastern rites, advocating for the incorporation of studies of the Eastern Churches into seminaries and universities, and noting the continuing relevance of Pope John Paul II’s call for the Church to “breathe with each lungs, the Eastern and the Western.”
“There can also be a necessity for encounter and the sharing of pastoral activity, since Eastern Catholics today aren’t any longer our distant cousins who have fun unfamiliar rites,” Pope Leo XIV concluded, “but our brothers and sisters who, as a result of forced migration, are our next-door neighbours.”
He called for a Church united in love and mutual understanding, one which embraces its diverse spiritual roots while working together for peace.
The Pope closed by blessing the ROACO delegates and inspiring them to “persevere in charity, animated by the hope of Christ.”
 Pope Leo XIV has called for renewed global solidarity with the Eastern Catholic Churches, which he described as “so precious and so...){kind=link}