"Let us continue to pray for peace. Economic and military force strategies do not guarantee humanity's future". This is Pope Leo XIV's forceful and sincere appeal, delivered from the window of the Apostolic Palace at the close of the Angelus, inviting the faithful to rediscover respect and brotherhood among peoples as the only path ahead for future generations. The Pontiff highlighted that prayer is the antidote to war, while history has often demonstrated the disastrous repercussions of fighting. His thoughts are with Nigeria, which is currently experiencing a new outbreak of intercommunal violence. In Benue State, two attacks have resulted in the deaths of 30 individuals, while over 50 individuals have been abducted in multiple villages in Kaduna State. "I learned of the recent attacks with sorrow and concern", the Pope stated, expressing his solidarity with the victims and his hope for a resolute commitment from the authorities to defend citizens' lives and safety. The Pope then offered his support for those impacted by floods and landslides in Portugal, Morocco, Spain, and southern Italy. The situation is especially dire in Niscemi, in the province of Caltanissetta, where a massive landslide displaced almost 1,500 people. He exhorted everyone to remain united and in solidarity, placing their trust in the Virgin Mary's protection.
On the World Day of Prayer and Reflection Against Human Trafficking, Leo XIV reminds us that "peace begins with dignity", drawing attention to an issue that affects roughly 27 million people worldwide, particularly women, minors, and migrants. Special thanks went to religious sisters and workers engaged in combating modern forms of slavery. Finally, the Pontiff recalled the recent beatification of Don Salvatore Valera Parra, a Spanish parish priest "humble and dedicated to pastoral charity", citing his example as an inspiration for today's priests to live their daily fidelity with simplicity and austerity, before greeting pilgrims from all over the world.