Pope Leo XIV, during his weekly Angelus address from St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, issued a powerful message of solidarity specifically directed towards young people enduring the horrors of war, explicitly naming Gaza and Ukraine. His words carry profound resonance for youth across Asia facing similar struggles in regions like Myanmar, Afghanistan, and parts of the Middle East.
Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace, the Pope expressed deep concern for the young generations caught in these devastating conflicts. “I want to assure the young people of Gaza, of Ukraine, and of other war-torn lands: we have not forgotten you,” Leo XIV declared. “We hear your cries of suffering, and we mourn your losses.”
His address included a strong condemnation of the violence plaguing these regions: “The news that comes from the war zones, especially concerning the civilian population, wounded and killed, especially children, is frightening, unacceptable. It must stop!” This plea for an end to violence against civilians echoes the concerns of many across Asia witnessing ongoing conflicts.
The Pope emphasized the unique suffering of children and youth, forced to bear the brunt of conflicts they did not create. “They are deprived of their future, of serenity, of their dreams,” he stated poignantly. He urged the global Catholic community, and all people of goodwill, to actively remember these young victims: “Let us not forget the young people of these lands of suffering. May the Madonna protect them.”
Asian Context and Relevance:
While explicitly mentioning Gaza and Ukraine, Pope Leo XIV’s reference to “other war-torn lands” clearly encompasses numerous Asian regions experiencing protracted violence and instability. His message of remembrance and solidarity directly speaks to young people in:
Myanmar: Suffering through prolonged civil conflict and displacement.
Afghanistan: Facing humanitarian crisis and restrictions, particularly impacting girls’ education.
Parts of the Middle East: Including Syria and Yemen, where conflict continues to disrupt lives.
Areas of internal strife: In various Asian nations where youth face violence and displacement.
The Pope’s call challenges the international community, including Asian nations, to prioritize the protection and future of young people caught in warfare. His focus on remembrance serves as a counter to the global attention often shifting away from long-running crises.
Call to Prayer and Action:
Concluding his appeal, Pope Leo XIV called for concrete spiritual action: “I invite everyone to pray intensely for these young brothers and sisters.” He specifically requested prayers for peace and for the comfort of those mourning lost loved ones.
This message from the Vatican underscores the universal human cost of conflict, particularly on the young, and serves as a potent reminder to Asia and the world that the youth in Gaza, Ukraine, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and beyond must not be abandoned to their suffering. “They are not forgotten,” the Pope insisted, offering a beacon of hope amidst the darkness.
