- Pope Leo XIV revealed that he has initiated peace talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address violence and seek solutions in the Middle East, a disclosure made during a flight from Beirut to Rome where he also met secretly with representatives of other political groups involved in regional conflicts, emphasizing his preference for private diplomacy to encourage disarmament and dialogue.
- The Pontiff highlighted Lebanon as a model for interfaith coexistence, stating that it demonstrates how Islam and Christianity can be present, respected, and live together harmoniously, which offers a valuable lesson to the world, particularly in addressing fears about Islam in Europe often fueled by anti-immigration sentiments.
- Pope Leo reiterated his call for a ceasefire in Ukraine, acknowledging the U.S. peace plan while stressing the crucial role of Europe, suggesting Italy could serve as a significant intermediary, and also discussed efforts by the Holy See to calm tensions in Venezuela following recent threats from the United States, prioritizing the well-being of the people over political agendas.
- Addressing internal Church matters, Leo expressed concerns from German Catholics about certain aspects of the Synodal Way, urging for dialogue and listening to ensure that powerful voices do not stifle others, and hoping for adjustments from both sides to keep the German Church aligned with the universal Church’s pathway.
- The Pope shared personal reflections on his election, recalling his initial surprise and surrender to God’s will, noting his amusement at journalists’ interpretations of his expressions, and revealing his aspirations for future papal trips which include Africa, Algeria to build bridges with Muslims, and several Latin American countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru.
- He recommended “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence as a book that has profoundly shaped his spirituality, describing it as a way of prayer involving complete surrender to God’s lead, which he shared with journalists as an insight into his personal approach to his papacy.
Pope Leo reveals Mideast peace talks with Trump, Netanyahu, other regional players
