Pope Leo at Rosary: Even in times of conflict, peace is possible

Joining people and Marian shrines all around the world, Pope Leo XIV prayed the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary at the Grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens, specifically remembering those living in areas affected by war and violence.

“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts” (Ps 85:8). 

The Pope opened his reflection at the end of the five decades with this Psalm, which, he noted, expresses the “hope of which we stand in need, especially in the face of current difficulties and violence.”He urged everyone—those present in the Vatican Gardens and all those connected around the world—to “dispose their hearts” to be open to hearing the word of God, so that through prayer “we may come to understand the meaning of the events of history” and see God’s providence guiding and sustaining us.