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 When the American pope comes for July 4 dinner, here’s what happens France’s traditionalist Catholics rally behind Pope Leo XIV after SSPX schism Vatican unveils agenda for global family summit marking ‘Amoris Laetitia’ anniversary Pope Leo starts his summer break at Castel Gandolfo with cheerful welcome Pope visits U.S. embassy July 4 for discussion on peace and freedom, with a side of apple pie Pope Leo to pilgrims: ‘Strong eucharistic heritage of US must continue as source of renewal, unity’ Copyright © 2026 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Print
