'Demonic cycle of evil': Pope Leo XIV again rejects war during Vatican prayer vigil for peace

Just ahead of his historic trip to Africa, Pope Leo XIV gave an impassioned pacifistic plea during a Vatican prayer vigil for peace on Saturday, with hundreds gathering at St. Peter’s Basilica to join the spiritual resistance against ongoing global conflicts.

The livestreamed service centered around a recitation of the Rosary, with representatives from five continents lighting a commemorative lamp of peace between meditations taken from Church Fathers on the topic of Christian unity, witness, and spiritual renewal.

Leo’s own remarks, which flanked the Rosary prayer itself, included a lengthy address calling for world leaders to turn to dialogue instead of violence, and for Christians to persevere in prayer and action for an end to war.

“In prayer, our limited human possibilities are joined to the infinite possibilities of God,” said the American pope, continuing a striking series of anti-war messages broadcast in various forms over recent weeks. 

“Thoughts, words and deeds then break the demonic cycle of evil and are placed at the service of the Kingdom of God. A Kingdom in which there is no sword, no drone, no vengeance, no trivialization of evil, no unjust profit, but only dignity, understanding and forgiveness. It is here that we find a bulwark against that delusion of omnipotence that surrounds us and is becoming increasingly unpredictable and aggressive. The balance within the human family has been severely destabilized.”

Some onlookers have interpreted Leo’s ongoing crusade against war as a rebuttal to the foreign policy of his own country of origin, as the United States has fomented or funded various wars and other conflicts across the globe since his election in the 2025 conclave.

Tensions between the Vatican and Washington reportedly reached a head in January when White House officials requested an unprecedented on-site meeting at the Pentagon with then-apostolic nuncio to the U.S. Cardinal Christophe Pierre. The meeting has been variously described as both abnormal and productive, with at least one Vatican source claiming the U.S. side was, at times, “bullying” and “aggressive.” 

(The Vatican and the White House, both of which kept the meeting under wraps, have denied other reports that implied the Pentagon made threats against the Church.)

In his comments on Saturday, Pope Leo effectively reiterated his recent declarations that war and Christianity are inherently at odds, and that God does not hear the prayers of warmongers—criticisms that many have linked to the United States, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

“Even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death. A world of brothers and sisters with one heavenly Father vanishes, as in a nightmare, giving way to a reality populated by enemies,” Leo said.

“Those who pray are aware of their own limitations; they do not kill or threaten with death. Instead, death enslaves those who have turned their backs on the living God, turning themselves and their own power into a mute, blind and deaf idol, to which they sacrifice every value, demanding that the whole world bend its knee.”

In response, Leo suggested, the united “moral and spiritual strength of the millions and billions of men and women, young and old, who today choose to believe in peace” can overcome the “madness of war” and influence government leaders to law down their weapons.

With the prayer vigil taking place during the Octave of Easter, Leo also connected the cause of pacifism to the resurrection of Jesus, sharing a prayer that he asked be recited by all who share the desire for peace.

Lord Jesus, you conquered death without weapons or violence: you shattered its power with the strength of peace. Grant us your peace, as you did to the women filled with doubt on Easter morning, as you did to the disciples who were hiding in fear.

Send forth your Spirit, the breath that gives life and reconciles, that turns adversaries and enemies into brothers and sisters. Inspire in us to trust in Mary, your mother, who stood at the foot of your cross with a broken heart, firm in the faith that you would rise again.

May the madness of war cease and the Earth be cared for and cultivated by those who still know how to bring forth, protect and love life. Hear us, Lord of life!

‘Enough of war!’: Full text of Pope Leo’s prayer for peace

Pope Leo at April 11 peace vigil: ’Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war! True strength is shown in serving life.’

America MagazinePope Leo XIV

Nate Tinner-Williams is co-founder and editor of Black Catholic Messenger.

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