Pope Leo criticizes political nationalism and prays for reconciliation and dialogue

VATICAN CITY AP Pope Leo XIV criticized the surge of nationalist political movements in the world as he prayed Sunday for reconciliation and dialogue a message in line with his pledges to make the Catholic Church a symbol of peace The pope celebrated Sunday Mass in St Peter s Square in front of tens of thousands faithful and inquired the Holy Spirit to break down barricades and tear down the walls of indifference and hatred Where there is love there is no room for prejudice for shield zones separating us from our neighbors for the exclusionary mindset that tragically we now see emerging also in political nationalisms the first American pontiff reported He did not name any specific country or politician Leo also recalled the words of late Pope Francis who on the feast of Pentecost in May observed that in our world we are all connected yet find ourselves disconnected from one another anaesthetized by indifference and overwhelmed by solitude The pope also condemned wars which are plaguing our world and appealed the Holy Spirit for the gift of peace First of all peace in our hearts for only a peaceful heart can spread peace in the family society and international relations Leo explained then prayed for reconciliation and dialogue wherever there is war in the world Soon after becoming pope Leo pledged to work for unity and peace His first message Peace be with you all set the importance of peace as a pillar of his papacy He has also appealed for a genuine and just peace in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza Source