Peace is built on respect, only good can combat evil, pope says at Angelus January 26, 2026By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Peace is built on respect for all people, Pope Leo XIV said after praying the Angelus with visitors gathered in St. Peter’s Square Jan. 25. The pope called for prayers for peace “in Ukraine, in the Middle East and in every region where, unfortunately, there is fighting going on for interests that are not those of the people.” “Peace is built on respect for peoples!” he said. Greeting young people from Catholic Action who organized the annual “Caravan of Peace,” the pope thanked them for helping “us adults to look at the world from another perspective: that of cooperation between people and among diverse peoples.” “Be peacemakers at home, at school, in sports, everywhere,” he told the young people. “Never be violent, neither with words nor with gestures. Never! Evil can only be overcome with good.” Speaking specifically about Ukraine, Pope Leo lamented the “continuous attacks” against the nation, which have left “entire populations exposed to the cold of winter.” “I am following the situation with sorrow, and I am close to and pray for those who suffer,” he said. “The continuation of hostilities, with increasingly serious consequences for civilians, widens the rift between peoples and pushes further back the opportunity for a just and lasting peace,” he said, inviting everyone “to intensify their efforts to end this war.” Read More Vatican News Find room in your heart for everyone, pope tells new bishops Belarusian Catholic dissident returns home, urges prayers for imprisoned following papal audience Peruvian city to unveil world’s tallest statue of Pope Leo for trip to South America Pope Leo XIV asks Our Lady of Good Counsel for aid to make ‘courageous and wise decisions’ Pope Leo expresses hope Ukraine, Russia negotiations bear fruit Pope Leo XIV says Christians in the Middle East offer a ‘precious testimony for the entire Church’ Copyright © 2026 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Print
