‘War Is Never Blessed by God’ — Pope Leo XIV Addresses Cardinals at Vatican Gathering

Pope Leo XIV has called for peace and unity as he presided over a global gathering of Catholic cardinals at the Vatican on Friday.

During a mass held at St Peter’s Basilica, the pope delivered a strong anti-war message, urging nations to settle disputes peacefully.

“International tensions and conflicts seriously wound the human family,” the pontiff said.

“War is never worthy of humanity, and it is never blessed by God.”

He further stated that despite modern military technology, people must “resolve conflicts as human beings and not as beasts.”

The remarks come amid criticism from US President Donald Trump over the pope’s anti-war stance.

The gathering, known as a consistory, is being attended by all 241 cardinals worldwide and is expected to focus on several pressing issues facing the Catholic Church. The event concludes on Saturday.

This is the second such meeting convened by Pope Leo since he became pope in May 2025, with analysts viewing it as part of his effort to promote broader participation in Church governance.

Activities scheduled for the gathering include workshops, plenary discussions and prayers.

Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, Archbishop of Algiers, said the meetings are helping strengthen relationships among cardinals.

“There will be genuine sharing among us, it’s clear that Pope Leo wants us to form a college, to get to know one another… The more we have these meetings, the more united we will be,” he said in comments to AFP.

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