In a surprising move, Pope Leo VIX, who was born in Chicago as Robert Prevost, took to social media to share his first public messages as pope.
His statements, full of hope and a call for peace, quickly garnered attention as he urged world leaders to refrain from war and to seek peaceful resolutions.
A Message of Peace for the World
On Wednesday, Pope Leo shared his first post on his X account, delivering a powerful message of peace.
His tweet, echoing the words of the risen Christ, read, “Peace be with you all! This is the first greeting spoken by the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd.”
He expressed his desire for this greeting to resonate globally, urging people everywhere—across nations and families—to embrace peace.
“Let this greeting of peace resound in your hearts, in your families, and among all people, wherever they may be,” he continued in his post, emphasizing the universal reach of peace.
Honoring Papal Legacy and Addressing Global Conflicts
An hour after his first post, Pope Leo reflected on his papal name, paying tribute to Pope Leo XIII, who once advocated for the preservation of Eastern rites.
His post included a call to support and protect the Christian East, especially in its diaspora, suggesting that the legacy of previous Pope Leos could be influencing his stance on social issues today.
The new pope didn’t shy away from addressing the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and India, underscoring the urgency of peace in a world beset by violence.
“There is so much violence and so many wars in our world!” he exclaimed, adding that the horrors of war, where people perish in the name of conquest, should spark outrage across humanity.
Yet, he reminded his followers of Christ’s message: “Peace be with you.”
The Christian East’s Role in Healing
In further posts, Pope Leo turned to the spiritual practices of the Christian East, describing them as a “healing balm.”
These ancient spiritualities, he explained, offer comfort by merging an awareness of human suffering with reverence for divine mercy, allowing believers to find hope even in their lowest moments.
He continued to share his vision of peace, distinguishing it from mere silence or subjugation.
For Pope Leo, peace is not about avoiding conflict through suppression; rather, it is about reconciliation, forgiveness, and the courage to begin anew.
“Let us pray for this peace, which is reconciliation, forgiveness, and courage to turn the page and start again,” he wrote.
Offering Help for Peace Negotiations
Pope Leo also made it clear that the Vatican is ready to assist in facilitating peace talks.
He referenced the Holy See’s role in hosting a historic meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Pope Francis’ funeral, suggesting that the Vatican could play a similar role in bringing enemies together to negotiate peace.
“With heart in hand, I say to the leaders of nations: let us meet; let us dialogue; let us negotiate,” Pope Leo wrote, reiterating that war is never inevitable and that peaceful negotiations are always an option.
He firmly believes that “weapons must fall silent, for they never solve problems but only intensify them.”
Criticism of Past Policies
Pope Leo’s social media presence has not been without controversy. Just days before these calls for peace, he was asked about his message for the United States.
His response seemed pointed, especially when considering his past criticisms of the Trump administration.
For instance, he had previously posted about the controversial deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father who was sent back to El Salvador, questioning the morality of such actions.
Additionally, Pope Leo shared articles addressing the political views of Catholic senator JD Vance, criticizing his stance on immigration.
One article, titled “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others,” reflects his opposition to certain political ideologies.
Pope Leo also reposted his 2018 message condemning the separation of children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border, calling it an inhumane practice that contradicted Christian values.
“There is nothing remotely Christian, American, or morally defensible about a policy that takes children away from their parents and warehouses them in cages,” he had written, accusing society of ignoring the suffering of others.
Moving Forward with Hope
Pope Leo VIX’s social media activity marks the beginning of a papacy focused on peace, reconciliation, and social justice.
His messages have sparked discussions on both faith and politics, leaving many to wonder how his leadership will influence global affairs in the coming years.
Will his calls for dialogue and diplomacy lead to concrete action, or will they serve as a moral compass in times of crisis? Only time will tell.