"There is no holy war: only peace is holy"

Pope Leo XIV emphasized that no war is holy during a message to a religious forum in Assisi, Italy. He stated that peace must be rebuilt globally and condemned the religious justification of war. The forum, organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio, marked the 40th anniversary of a peace prayer by Pope John Paul II. Leo, recovering from lung cancer surgery, urged religions to promote dialogue and mediation for peace. He referenced his encyclical on human dignity in the age of AI, warning against the revival of war as a political tool, which he believes undermines the memory of the 20th century's tragedies. He encouraged a collective pursuit of peace and the power of prayer.