By Laudato Youth Initiative | “The human heart must be open to peace” Pope Leo XIV | October 29, 2025

Just a week after our participation in the Global Rosary for Peace, the world once again witnessed a moment of deep spiritual solidarity and urgency from the Popes address in the presence of religious leaders. In Rome, under the gentle autumn light, Pope Leo XIV stood alongside leaders from various faith traditions at a historic interfaith gathering, sending a resounding message to humanity: the world must unite in prayer and action for peace.

In his heartfelt address, Pope Leo XIV declared:

“In the power of prayer, with hands raised to heaven and open to others, we must ensure that this period of history, marked by war and the arrogance of power, soon comes to an end, giving rise to a new era. We cannot allow this period to continue. It shapes the minds of people who grow accustomed to war as a normal part of human history. Enough! This is the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth. Enough! Lord, hear our cry!”

These words echoed through the assembly, transcending religious and national boundaries. The event marked not only a renewed call for global peace but also an affirmation of the power of unity in prayer a force that bridges divides and restores hope in a fractured world.

The gathering was particularly significant in light of the recent Global Rosary for Peace, where millions from all continents joined virtually in collective prayer for peace. An event that reconciled families and peoples all over the world, ending with a St. Francis’ Prayer for Peace. As the Laudato Youth Initiative highlighted in its reflection, “The environment and peace are interrelated themes to harm creation is to disturb the harmony of peace itself.”

Indeed, the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth are intertwined. Conflicts, driven by greed and environmental degradation, have displaced communities and deepened human suffering. The interfaith gathering in Rome served as a reminder that peace begins when we recognize our shared responsibility for creation and for one another.

St. Francis of Assisi – Make me a Channel of your Peace

In the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi whose message and witness has continued to inspire both ecological and peace efforts of the church and the world the message of Pope Leo has resounded this call with humility and hope: Saying “On 27 October 1986, Saint John Paul IIinvited religious leaders from around the world to Assisi to pray for peace, imploring them: let us never again go against each other, but stand alongside each other.  This historic event marked a turning point in interfaith relations.  Year after year, these meetings of prayer and dialogue have continued in the “spirit of Assisi,” creating a climate of friendship among religious leaders and welcoming many appeals for peace.  Today, it seems that the world has gone in the opposite direction, but we embrace the challenge of Assisi and the awareness of our shared task and responsibility for peace.  I thank the Community of Sant’Egidio and all the Catholic and non-Catholic organizations, which keep this spirit alive, even going against the tide.”

As Pope Leo XIV reminded the world, “Hands raised to heaven must also be hands open to others.” In these words lies a challenge and an invitation to transform prayer into solidarity, and faith into action. May this gathering challenge all of us to read and integrate the Declaration Nostra Aetate, namely, the renewal of the relationship between the Catholic Church and other religions.  that marked its 60th anniversary of the promulgation, which took place on 28 October 1965. according to Vatican News