Pope: Christians Should seek Communion and Foster Peace Together

August 27, 2026: Pope Leo XIV met on Wednesday with several Lutheran Bishops from Norway who are on a pilgrimage to Rome.

In his address, the Pope encouraged the Bishops to visit the various holy sites linked to the early Christians and martyrs, whose lives continue to inspire Christians today.

Their example, he said, encourages us also to “give our lives for the glory of God and for the good of our brothers and sisters.”

Pope Leo highlighted the difficult challenges posed by the world’s “particularly turbulent period.”

“There seems to be an increasing animosity among peoples, evident not only in international conflicts and disputes,” he said, “but also within individual countries, as demonstrated by the bitterness that frequently characterizes political and social discourse.”

He noted that Christians, too, face the temptation to adopt an attitude of hostility towards those with whom they disagree.

Instead, the Pope said, there is a need to seek paths of reconciliation and fraternity.

“Jesus shows us another way, revealing that goodness and charity have the power to disarm,” he said.

The Lutheran Bishops’ visit to Rome demonstrates their desire to build communion, he said, adding that even small gestures “can inspire and guide us along the path of reconciliation.”

Pope Leo XIV then recalled Jesus’ prayer that His disciples may all be one so that the world may believe.

“Grounded in our common Baptism and our shared mission in the world,” he said, “I pray that we may always grow together in our service to the promotion of peace and justice.”

Concluding his address, the Pope invited the Lutheran Bishops of Norway to look to the example of the early martyrs and saints as witnesses to the transforming power of charity.

“Let us ask for God’s blessing,” he said, “so that, in God’s infinite goodness and wisdom, He may help us to live ever more truly as brothers and sisters, and thus bear common witness to our Savior, Our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Courtesy: Vatican News