Pope Leo XIV recalled the words of John Paul II from the Cold War era

On the 40th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the link between genuine religious commitment and the pursuit of peace. He reflected on the historical context of the first meeting in Assisi during the Cold War and noted that globalization has not automatically led to peace, but rather has sparked fundamentalist and nationalist reactions. The Pope warned against the notion that arms accumulation is an effective way to prevent conflicts, urging a rejection of religious justification for war. He called for fostering a spirit of dialogue and understanding among religious leaders and their communities to combat violence and promote peace.