Pope Leo XIV urged Christians in the Middle East not to abandon their lands.

Pope Leo XIV, recently elected as the first American Supreme Pontiff, has focused his first days of pontificate on a clear and forceful message: an urgent call for world peace and the recognition of the crucial role of Middle Eastern Christians.

During a meeting with the Eastern Catholic Churches in the Vatican, the Pope praised the Christian communities that, despite war, marginalization, and persecution, have decided to remain in their native lands, resisting the temptation to leave their ancestral homes.

"Christians must have the possibility, and not just in words, to remain in their lands with all the necessary rights for a secure existence," he expressed firmly. He thanked these faithful for being "lights in the world" and for their testimony of faith amid adversity.

During the event, which brought together representatives of the 23 sui iuris Churches in full communion with Rome, the Pope offered words of encouragement and hope.

"You are precious in the eyes of God," he said, highlighting the diversity of origins and the glorious, but also painful, history of these communities. He also reaffirmed Pope Francis's vision on the value of the Eastern Churches, emphasizing their spiritual, liturgical, and sapiential richness.

Leo XIV expressed his concern for Eastern Christians in the diaspora, who not only risk losing their lands but also their religious identity. Therefore, he asked the Curia to define principles and norms to help Latin bishops support these communities and preserve their rites and traditions.

Beyond the pastoral, the Pope made a direct call to the international community: the Vatican is willing to act as a mediator in armed conflicts. "The Holy See is always ready to help bring enemies face to face for dialogue," he stated. He emphasized that war "is never inevitable" and that weapons "do not solve problems, they only worsen them."

The Pope also expressed his deep concern for specific conflicts in regions like Ukraine, Gaza, the Caucasus, Tigray, and the Holy Land. He called for genuine peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages in the hands of Hamas, and celebrated the fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

He insisted that Eastern Christians, many of whom live in contexts of violence like Syria, Iraq, or Lebanon, have an essential role in promoting hope and peace.

He encouraged his pastors to foster communities characterized by fraternity, co-responsibility, and fidelity to the Gospel. He also emphasized the importance of preserving the Eastern liturgies, rich in symbolism and spirituality, as medicine for the soul in times of chaos.

Leo XIV concluded his message by reiterating his total commitment to peace: "I commit to doing everything possible for peace to prevail." His call, he said, is not just from the Pope, but from Christ himself: "Peace be with you!"

Thus, from the beginning of his pontificate, Leo XIV has shown a clear orientation toward diplomacy, ecumenism, and the appreciation of Eastern traditions as pillars of his mission.