With rising international tensions and mounting humanitarian crises, Pope Leo XIV has called for renewed efforts toward peace during his vacation at Castel Gandolfo.

According to CNA, just two days before a planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pope Leo urged dialogue and nonviolent solutions to end the conflicts in both Ukraine and Gaza.

On August 13, Pope Leo XIV arrived at the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo for his second time since assuming the papacy. His visit comes amid a critical geopolitical moment, as global leaders prepare for high-level engagement over military conflicts that have left thousands dead and millions displaced.

Speaking from the retreat south of Rome, Pope Leo addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, which began three years ago following Russia’s invasion. The Pope emphasized the need to stop the violence and death, underscoring the Vatican’s role in encouraging peaceful negotiations.

“We must always seek a ceasefire; the violence, the many deaths must stop,” the Pope said. He questioned the prolonged nature of the war and stressed that diplomacy and dialogue should replace weapons and brutality.

Pope Highlights Gaza’s Humanitarian Emergency

Beyond the European conflict, Pope Leo also focused attention on the worsening conditions in Gaza. He described the situation as dire, citing reports of extreme hunger, possible deportations, and growing instability in the region.

“The humanitarian crisis must be resolved. We cannot go on like this,” he said. While acknowledging the pain caused by terrorism and the importance of freeing hostages, the Pope also pointed to starvation and civilian suffering as urgent problems needing global action.

The pontiff reiterated that while the Roman Catholic Church cannot unilaterally end international disputes, it can promote strategies that favor peaceful outcomes. He described the Vatican’s current role in global conflicts as one of “soft diplomacy” — an effort to facilitate constructive conversations without imposing military or political pressure.

Upcoming Trump-Putin Summit Raises Stakes

The Pope’s call for peace comes just days before President Trump is set to meet with President Putin on August 15 in Alaska. The summit is expected to focus heavily on the war in Ukraine and possible diplomatic solutions.

Given the cost and scale of the conflict — now in its third year — expectations among international observers are high. Pope Leo’s remarks are seen by Vatican analysts as a timely intervention aimed at influencing the tone of the bilateral talks toward conciliation.

“These problems cannot be resolved with war,” the Pope reiterated, speaking broadly about global instability. He appealed to all parties to adopt dialogue as their principal means of advancing peace.

Special Religious Events During Summer Stay

While at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo plans to carry out a number of religious observances. On August 15, he will celebrate Mass honoring the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the town’s pontifical parish.

In a further act of solidarity with the marginalized, the Pope will lead a Mass on Sunday, August 17, at the shrine of Santa Maria della Rotonda in the nearby town of Albano. The service is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. local time and will include the participation of individuals receiving assistance from Caritas, a Catholic aid organization.

Later that day, Pope Leo is expected to return to Castel Gandolfo to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer from Liberty Plaza at noon. The weekly event draws both tourists and locals and serves as an occasion for spiritual reflection and papal guidance.

Calls for Diplomacy Reflect Pope’s Broader Vision

Pope Leo’s repeated encouragement toward nonviolent solutions reflects a consistent theme of his papacy. He has often emphasized that the Church’s mission includes promoting peace on a global scale, especially through engagement rooted in compassion and patience.

“Let’s see how they can reach an agreement,” he said of the upcoming Trump-Putin summit, referring to the possibility of tangible advancements toward ending the war in Ukraine. His tone suggested urgency but also hope that dialogue might succeed where arms have failed.

With more events scheduled in the coming days, Pope Leo is expected to maintain his focus on both spiritual observance and international advocacy during his stay at Castel Gandolfo, which concludes August 19.