VATICAN CITY (AP) — In a powerful address during a Holy Year audience, Pope Leo XIV committed to making “every effort” to foster peace in conflict-torn regions like the Middle East and Ukraine. Speaking to a diverse group of Eastern rite Catholic pilgrims, he also emphasized the importance of preserving the rich spiritual traditions of these communities, which have been severely impacted by years of war and persecution.
“The church needs you!” Pope Leo XIV warmly told the audience, acknowledging the resilience and faith of Eastern rite Catholics worldwide.
What Are Eastern Rite Churches?
Eastern rite churches are unique Catholic communities that fully accept the Pope’s authority while maintaining their own distinct rituals and liturgies. These include the Coptic, Chaldean, Maronite, Eritrean, and Syro-Malabar churches, as well as Greek Catholic communities spanning Eastern Europe, the Americas, and beyond. Unlike Orthodox Christians, who are not in full communion with Rome, Eastern rite Catholics are an integral part of the Catholic Church, blending their cultural heritage with universal Catholic faith.
Pope Leo XIV highlighted the struggles these communities face, noting that many have been uprooted from their homelands due to “war, persecution, instability, and poverty.” He specifically pointed to the Middle East, where Christians in Iraq and Syria have fled en masse due to violence from Islamic extremists. In northern Iraq, some of the oldest Christian communities—where dialects of Aramaic, the language of Jesus, are still spoken—have been particularly hard-hit.
A Strong Stand for Peace
Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to peace was a cornerstone of his address. He promised to work tirelessly to resolve conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, stating that the Vatican is prepared to “help bring enemies together, face to face.” His words carry weight as the world faces ongoing crises in these regions.
“Who better than you can sing a song of hope even amid the abyss of violence?” he asked the pilgrims, praising their enduring spirit. “From the Holy Land to Ukraine, from Lebanon to Syria, from the Middle East to Tigray and the Caucasus, how much violence do we see!”
In a notable move, Pope Leo XIV recently spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by phone, shortly after his election. Zelenskyy thanked the Pope for his support and invited him to Ukraine. The pontiff has previously condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine as “an imperialist invasion” driven by power and strategic interests. During Pope Francis’ tenure, the Vatican facilitated prisoner exchanges and helped reunite Ukrainian children taken to Russian territory, though its role in broader peace efforts was limited.
Zelenskyy, who met U.S. President Donald Trump at St. Peter’s Basilica during Pope Francis’ funeral, is expected to attend Pope Leo XIV’s formal installation Mass in Rome on Sunday.
Safeguarding a Priceless Heritage
Pope Leo XIV also addressed the challenges Eastern rite Catholics face in maintaining their traditions, especially when displaced. He expressed concern that, upon resettling in Western countries, these communities often encounter indifference from Latin rite Catholics and risk losing their religious identity.
“Christians must be given the opportunity—not just in words—to remain in their native lands with all the rights needed for a secure existence,” he said. For those in the diaspora, he called on the Vatican’s office for Eastern churches to develop guidelines to help Latin rite bishops better support these communities.
Drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIII, who reigned from 1878 to 1903, Pope Leo XIV noted his predecessor’s dedication to Eastern rite churches. Pope Leo XIII wrote the first papal document affirming their dignity and even threatened Latin rite priests with dismissal if they pressured Eastern rite Catholics to adopt Western practices.
“With the passing of generations, the priceless heritage of the Eastern Churches is being lost,” Pope Leo XIV warned. He urged the global Catholic Church to embrace the “sense of mystery” in Eastern liturgies, which “engage the human person in his or her entirety” and “evoke a sense of wonder at how God’s majesty embraces our human frailty.”
A Global Gathering of Faith
The Holy Year audience was a colorful celebration of diversity, with pilgrims waving Lebanese and Ukrainian flags and offering traditional ululations. Pope Leo XIV praised Christians—Eastern and Latin alike—who work for reconciliation in regions where they are persecuted minorities.
“I thank God for those Christians who, above all in the Middle East, persevere and remain in their homelands, resisting the temptation to abandon them,” he said.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, his focus on peace and the preservation of Eastern rite traditions offers hope to these resilient communities. His message invites everyone—regardless of background—to appreciate the beauty and strength of these ancient traditions.
About The Author
Discover more from Faith & Freedom News - FFN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
