Pope Leo XIV has called on Christians in the Middle East and Eastern Europe to remain committed to peace-building efforts despite continued persecution and hostility in their regions.
The pontiff made the appeal during a private audience on Wednesday with representatives of L’Œuvre d’Orient and the Institut Chrétiens d’Orient (ICO), which are organising a conference on peace in the Middle East in Rome from November 5 to 6.
L’Œuvre d’Orient is a French nonprofit organisation that has supported persecuted Christian communities in the Middle East and Eastern Europe since 1856.
Dialogue Identified as Essential to Reconciliation
Addressing the delegation in French, Leo reflected on the conference’s theme of peace-building and emphasised the importance of bringing different academic and cultural disciplines together to promote reconciliation.
He described dialogue between faith, reason, culture and history as essential to achieving justice and lasting reconciliation.
“Dialogue between faith and reason, culture and history is the indispensable path to justice and reconciliation,” the pope said.
He also highlighted the importance of philosophical discussions involving other disciplines, explaining that such exchanges can help people rediscover the meaning of words and concepts.
“Dialogue between philosophy and other disciplines makes it possible to rediscover the meaning of the words and concepts that are used, which is probably one of the principal challenges of our time,” he added.
Report Highlights Scale of Christian Persecution Worldwide
The pope’s appeal comes amid continuing concerns over religious persecution, including in several parts of the Holy Land.
According to Aid to the Church in Need’s 2024–2026 report, approximately 220 million Christians face persecution worldwide, while 413 million people live in countries where religious freedom remains under threat.
The figures highlight the challenges confronting Christian communities in regions experiencing religious hostility and restrictions on freedom of worship.
Pope Calls for Peace That Is Unarmed and Disarming
Leo encouraged Christians living in affected regions to continue working towards what he described as peace that is “unarmed and disarming”.
He said examining the conditions necessary for a just and lasting peace, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, would make them servants of reconciliation.
“Thus, by reflecting on the criteria of a just and enduring peace, especially in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, you become servants of a peace that is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering,” he said.
Christians Encouraged to Become Sowers of Hope
The pontiff also urged the delegation to translate its commitment to peace into practical action while maintaining the humility taught in the Gospel.
He encouraged Christians to continue spreading hope through their words and activities, referring to a passage from the Gospel of John.
“Therefore, be sowers of hope through your reflection and your action, keeping the humility taught by the Gospel: ‘One is the sower, another the reaper’ (Jn 4:37),” Leo said.
