Pope Leo Urges Pax Christi USA to Continue Promoting Nonviolence

Detroit, Michigan, 26 July 2025 : Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to peace and nonviolence in a message addressed to participants of Pax Christi USA’s National Assembly, urging the Catholic peace movement to continue fostering reconciliation in a world plagued by conflict, division, and displacement.

The message, read during the Assembly’s opening ceremony on Friday night, highlighted the urgent need for active nonviolence in today’s fractured global context. “In the midst of the many challenges facing our world at this time, including widespread armed conflict, division among peoples, and the challenges of forced migration, efforts to promote nonviolence are all the more necessary,” the Pope stated.

Held in Detroit from 25 to 28 July, the conference centres on the theme “Reclaiming the power of nonviolence in a broken world”. Pax Christi USA is part of the broader international Catholic movement committed to peace and justice.

Recalling the Risen Christ’s words following the violence of the Crucifixion, Pope Leo reflected on the nature of Christian peace: “After the violence of the Crucifixion, the Risen Christ’s first words to the Apostles offered peace—a peace that is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering.”

Jesus, the Pope continued, sends his followers into the world to be peacemakers in their everyday lives. He stressed the importance of the Church being a visible presence of reconciliation, especially in parishes, neighbourhoods, and on the margins of society.

Pope Leo expressed hope that the Assembly would encourage members of Pax Christi USA to transform their local communities into “‘houses of peace’ where one learns how to defuse hostility through dialogue, where justice is practised and forgiveness is cherished.”

By doing so, he added, participants would help others to respond to Saint Paul’s invitation to “live at peace with their brothers and sisters”.

The Holy Father concluded his message by entrusting the Assembly to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, and imparted his Apostolic Blessing to all participants.

Courtesy: Vatican News

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