Summary
Pope Leo XIII, in his Christmas homily on December 25, emphasized two aspects of peace. He invoked “disarmed and disarming” to describe peaceful coexistence and “wild peace,” quoting the Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai’s metaphorical call for sudden, necessary change. According to Professor Sara Ferrari of Hebrew at the University of Milan, true peace comes from recognizing the necessity of evil and accepting responsibility for one’s actions rather than innocence. Leo also highlighted the suffering caused by ongoing conflicts such as those in Gaza and displacement among refugees around the world. The Pope underscored the vulnerability of defenseless populations after years of war, including young soldiers on the front lines who feel the absurdity of their roles. Leo’s address to the World Day of Peace on January 1 criticized excessive militarization beyond legitimate defense, a stance that resonated with pacifist movements but also maintained the Church’s long-standing doctrine regarding peace and warfare. He condemned aggressive strategies aimed at market expansion, territory control, or influence, specifically targeting Russia, Vladimir Putin, Patriarch Kirill, and leaders in power for their roles in these actions.
Key Topics
Pope Leo, Martyrdom, Peace
