Pope Leo XIV, recently elected leader of all Roman Catholics, is preparing to step on to that world stage for the first time. His first major press conference would come in a couple of weeks. No other event will focus the world’s media and leaders’ attention quite like it. The Forum will be held in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV is preparing to go out to the world’s media. He’ll be speaking to journalists and addressing the urgent call for peace, the need to communicate, and his solidarity with those in the profession of journalism. The Pope’s unusually high-profile arrival at the climate change conference makes this a critical moment for the Vatican. He steps into his role in a time of historical upheaval, not least of which is the ongoing war in Ukraine.
During his audience with media representatives, Pope Leo XIV will share his insights on one of the most significant challenges he perceives today—how language can play a crucial role in the pursuit of peace. He insists that discourse must be free from hostility, advocating for a conversation that builds bridges rather than barriers.
“Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism and even hatred, let us free it from aggression.” – Pope Leo XIV
The Pope’s rare engagement occurs against the backdrop of growing tensions in Eastern Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy just announced through his social media channels that he spoke with Pope Leo XIV. On their call, they spoke about the tremendous work required to create a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
In additional statements released to the media, Pope Leo XIV has continued to stand with those jailed for their ministry. Over the years, journalists have expressed their appreciation for his defense. This recognition features the Pope’s powerful commitment to the advancement of press freedom. It’s a reminder of the critically important role that journalists play in our democracy.
Pope Leo XIV will accept an invitation from Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. As part of his audience, he’s looking to visit Ukraine soon. This potential visit underscores the Vatican’s interest in engaging with the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the war’s impact on innocent lives.
Pope Leo XIV’s press conference will be streamed live, giving audiences around the world the chance to watch his address in real-time. His message will be profoundly relevant, especially around the impact of the current conflict and the need to seek peace now.
“We do not need loud, forceful communication, but rather communication that is capable of listening and of gathering the voices of the weak who have no voice.” – Pope Leo XIV
Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of Estonia, described the imperative for continued pressure on Russia as urgent. She needs them to be willing to have a constructive conversation with Ukraine.
“We have to put pressure on Russia to really want peace and to sit down and to talk with Ukraine,” – Kaja Kallas
She further highlighted the importance of establishing a ceasefire, stating that “if they are continuing bombing Ukraine all the time… there can’t be talks under fire.”
José Manuel Albares, Spain’s Foreign Minister, echoed this call with a reminder of the desperate need for peace felt by Europeans and Ukrainians. It’s the manner and substance of the response, especially from Russia and President Vladimir Putin — that is a key, he said.
“The Europeans want peace, Ukraine… wants peace – now it’s up to Russia and Vladimir Putin to give their answer.” – José Manuel Albares
Amidst these dialogues, Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s Minister for Digital Transition and Telecommunications, stressed that if Putin continues to reject ceasefire proposals, pressure should be directed not at Ukraine but at Russia, until there is a willingness to engage in peace talks.
“If he [Putin] yet again rejects it [ceasefire], then the logical conclusion is that pressure should be brought to bear not on the victim of aggression, but on the perpetrator of aggression, until he feels the pain and becomes more reasonable.” – Jean-Noël Barrot
Former Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski made his case with passionate eloquence. To a negotiated settlement that brings this war to a close, true respect for international law restored.
“We hope that parties will find a way to cease fire and to have productive, real negotiations about ending this war and bringing back respect for international law.” – Radosław Sikorski
Follow-in-progress as Pope Leo XIV prepares for his press conference. His leadership will be critically important in shaping the upcoming global dialogue on peace and dialogue as well. His approach demonstrates that he truly embraces the spirit of encouraging meaningful dialogue. This is key to addressing some of the world’s greatest challenges facing humanity right now.