Pontiff urges nations to abandon weapons and choose dialogue for global peace
Pope Leo XIV has released his monthly prayer intention for March, calling on Catholics around the world to pray “for disarmament and peace.”
In the latest edition of The Pope Video, the pontiff urged global leaders and communities to reject violence and work toward a world free from nuclear threats and armed conflict.
Pope invites faithful to pray for global peace
The March prayer intention, shared through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, encourages the faithful to ask God for peace and unity among nations.
In his message, the Pope reminded believers that God created humanity for unity and fraternity, not conflict.
“God created us for communion, not for war; for fraternity, not for destruction,” he said while beginning his prayer.
The Pope asked Christians to pray that nations renounce weapons and instead choose dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.
‘Disarm our hearts of hatred’
The Holy Father also stressed that peace must begin within individuals.
He prayed that people may “disarm our hearts of hatred, resentment and indifference,” allowing them to become instruments of reconciliation in society.
According to the Pope, genuine security does not come from fear or military power.
Instead, he said true peace is built on trust, justice and solidarity among peoples.
Warning against nuclear threats
The pontiff also highlighted the dangers of nuclear weapons, urging world leaders to abandon policies that could lead to destruction.
“May the nuclear threat never again dictate the future of humanity,” he said.
He prayed that political leaders would have the courage to halt the arms race and prioritize the protection of human life, especially the most vulnerable.
Prayer for peace in daily life
Pope Leo XIV concluded his message by asking the Holy Spirit to guide believers in building peace in their everyday lives.
He encouraged acts of reconciliation, dialogue and kindness, saying that even small gestures can help create a more peaceful world.
Every kind word, he said, and every effort toward understanding can become “seeds of a new world.”
About The Pope Video initiative
The monthly prayer intentions are shared globally through The Pope Video, an initiative coordinated by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.
The project aims to mobilize Catholics worldwide through prayer and action in response to global challenges and the mission of the Church.
Founded in 1844 as the Apostleship of Prayer, the initiative has grown into a worldwide movement translated into more than 23 languages and viewed hundreds of millions of times across Vatican social media platforms.