Pope Leo Calls for Calm Tensions on First Anniversary

Pope Leo marked his first anniversary leading the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church by calling for global leaders to de-escalate international tensions. The address in Pompei, Italy, followed a meeting with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Diplomatic friction between the Vatican and Washington persists as the pontiff criticizes ongoing military conflicts.

Pope Leo visited Pompei to address thousands of worshippers in the city square. He urged global governments to turn away from violence and move toward peace. The pontiff criticized an economy that prioritizes the arms trade over human life, stating that news images of death must not become a daily norm.