"The Rosary, like other ancient forms of prayer, has united us this evening in its steady rhythm built on repetition," Pope Leo said after leading the Glorious Mysteries during a Prayer Vigil for Peace at St. Peter's. "Peace," he continued, "gains ground in the same way: word by word, deed by deed, just as a rock is hollowed out drop by drop, or fabric woven stitch by stitch."
The Prayer Vigil that Leo had announced on Easter Sunday brought a crowd that overflowed onto St. Peter's Square, and the Holy Father began the evening outside, greeting them and giving his blessing. “We want to tell the world that it is possible to build peace, a new peace, that it is possible to live together, with all peoples, of all religions, of all races, and that we want to be disciples of Jesus Christ, united as brothers and sisters in a world of peace," he said before beginning the Vigil.
Then, within the Basilica, the Rosary was prayed, punctuated with representatives of each of the five continents beginning each Mystery by lighting a lamp at the feet of Mary Regina Pacis (Queen of Peace), using the Light of Peace brought from Assisi, which burns at St. Francis' grave.
As the sun set on the eve of the Feast of Divine Mercy, the Pontiff called for dialogue and the renunciation of any fantasy of omnipotence.
My dearest friends, all it takes is a little faith, a mere “crumb” of faith, in order to face this dramatic hour in history together — as humanity and alongside humanity. Prayer is not a refuge in which to hide from our responsibilities, nor an anesthetic to numb the pain provoked by so much injustice. Rather, it is the most selfless, universal and transformative response to death: We are a people who are already risen! Within each of us, within every human being, the interior Teacher teaches peace, urges us toward encounter and inspires us to make supplication. Let us rise from the rubble!
Writings of the saints Cyprian of Carthage, Caesarius of Arles, John Chrysostom, Ambrose of Milan, and Augustine of Hippo introduced each mystery.
"War divides; hope unites. Arrogance tramples upon others; love lifts up. Idolatry blinds us; the living God enlightens," Pope Leo declared after the Rosary was recited and the Litany sung.
I receive countless letters from children in areas of conflict. In reading them, one perceives, through the lens of innocence, all the horror and inhumanity of actions that some adults boast of with pride. Let us listen to the voices of children!
Demonic cycle must be broken
Drawing on the dual heritage of Paul VI's famous appeal "never again war," delivered at the United Nations in 1965, and John Paul II's words as one who "belong[ed] to that generation that lived through World War II," Leo XIV urged the breaking of "the demonic cycle of evil."
Prayer teaches us how to act. In prayer, our limited human possibilities are joined to the infinite possibilities of God. Thoughts, words, and deeds then break the demonic cycle of evil and are placed at the service of the Kingdom of God. A Kingdom in which there is no sword, no drone, no vengeance, no trivialization of evil, no unjust profit, but only dignity, understanding and forgiveness.
Like John XXIII, he echoed the words spoken by Pius XII at the beginning of the Second World War: “Nothing is lost by peace; everything may be lost by war.”
Leo also lamented how "even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death. A world of brothers and sisters with one heavenly Father vanishes, as in a nightmare, giving way to a reality populated by enemies."
He had a message for world leaders, noting that "there are certainly binding responsibilities that fall to the leaders of nations."
To them we cry out: Stop! It is time for peace! Sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, not at the table where rearmament is planned and deadly actions are decided!
But, the Pope continued, "there is a no less significant responsibility that falls to all of us — men and women from all over the world."
We are an immense multitude that rejects war not only in word, but also in deed. Prayer calls us to leave behind whatever violence remains in our hearts and minds. Let us turn to a Kingdom of peace that is built up day by day — in our homes, schools, neighborhoods, and civil and religious communities. A Kingdom that counters polemics and resignation through friendship and a culture of encounter. Let us believe once again in love, moderation, and good politics. We must form ourselves and get personally involved, each following our own calling. Everyone has a place in the mosaic of peace!
Pope Leo concluded with a prayer to Jesus, before taking a bouquet of white roses from two children and placing it at the feet of the Queen of Peace.
Lord Jesus,
you conquered death without weapons or violence:
you shattered its power with the strength of peace.
Grant us your peace,
as you did to the women filled with doubt on Easter morning,
as you did to the disciples who were hiding in fear.
Send forth your Spirit,
the breath that gives life and reconciles,
that turns adversaries and enemies into brothers and sisters.
Inspire in us to trust in Mary, your mother,
who stood at the foot of your cross with a broken heart,
firm in the faith that you would rise again.
May the madness of war cease
and the Earth be cared for and cultivated by those who still
know how to bring forth, protect and love life.
Hear us, Lord of life!
A full translation of his address can be found here.
