Upon his arrival at Castel Gandolfo, Léon XIV expressed his hopes to the journalists in the face of the two conflicts, and the objectives of the “soft diplomacy” of the Holy See, which seeks to solve the problems by dialogue rather than by war. He will be on leave until next Tuesday, with some public commitments and celebrations on August 15 and 17.
Vatican News
A ceasefire and a peace agreement in Ukraine, a resolution of the humanitarian crisis, famine and the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. These are the objectives of the «soft diplomacy» of the Holy See faced with the problems which “Cannot be resolved by war”; This is what Pope Leo XIV asks and hopes. Welcomed by journalists who were waiting for him when he arrived on Wednesday evening at the Pontifical residence of Castel Gandolfo, where he will pass a second summer break, until August 19. While welcoming the crowd waiting for him in front of the Villa Barberini portal, the Pope answered journalists’ questions on international news.
Always seek dialogue, diplomatic work
When asked what he expects from the August 15 summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Léon XIV responds: “We must always seek a ceasefire, put an end to violence and so many dead. Let’s see how they can reach an agreement. Why this war after so much time? What is his goal? We must always seek dialogue, diplomacy, not violence, nor weapons. ” And to the question of whether it is concerned about the possibility of the expulsion of the population of Gaza, the Pope adds: “The humanitarian crisis must be resolved, we cannot continue like this. We know the violence of terrorism and we respect the many victims, as well as the hostages. They must be released. But we must also think of all those who die of hunger. ”
Problems that cannot be resolved by war
Finally, asked about the measures taken by the Holy See to end these conflicts and others, the bishop of Rome said: “The Holy See cannot stop. We work, so to speak, to a “soft diplomacy”, encouraging and constantly promoting non-violence through dialogue and search for solutions, because these problems cannot be resolved by war. ”
At the general hearing: may God give peace to all peoples
Earlier in the morning, during the general hearing in the Paul VI room, the Pope praised Polish pilgrims by drawing the attention of the world to the populations of the countries affected by conflicts and violence. “Pray God to grant peace to all peoples who live the tragedy of war.” The pope’s call is inspired by the figure of Saint Maximilien-Marie Kolbe, a Polish Franciscan who died at the Auschwitz concentration camp, where he proposed to take the place of a father intended for the famine bunker.
Mass and Angelus at Castel Gandolfo for the Assumption
During this second period of rest in the Villa Barberini, within Pontifical Villas, Léon XIV will offer several public events. On Friday August 15, the feast of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, at 10:00 am, the Sovereign Pontiff will celebrate mass in the Saint Thomas de Villeneuve de Castel Gandolfo parish, and at 12:00, he will recite the Angelus in front of the Palais des Papes entrance, on the piazza della libert, also in Castel Gandolfo.
In Albano, mass and lunch with the poor Caritas
On Sunday August 17, at 9:30 am, Pope Léon XIV will celebrate mass at the Santa Maria Della Rotonda sanctuary in Albano Laziale, with the poor and the collaborators of the diocesan caritas who assist them. At 12 noon, he will recite the Angelus on piazza della Libertà, in Castel Gandolfo. Finally, he will share lunch with the poor and the people assisted by the Caritas in Borgo Laudato yes‘, located within the perimeter of pontifical villas.
