Pope Francis has issued a powerful appeal for peace, urging the world to “disarm words, disarm minds, and disarm the Earth” in a letter on Tuesday. The 88-year-old pontiff, currently recovering from pneumonia in a Rome hospital, emphasized the importance of responsible diplomacy in addressing global conflicts.
“We must disarm words, to disarm minds and disarm the Earth. There is a great need for reflection, for calmness, for a sense of complexity,” he stated.
Reflecting on the devastation of war, he lamented its destructive nature, noting that it “only devastates communities and the environment, without offering solutions to conflicts.” Instead, he called for renewed faith in diplomacy and international institutions, stressing the need for calm reflection and a deeper understanding of global complexities.
The Pope’s message comes as he continues his longest hospital stay since assuming the papacy 12 years ago. He has been at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14, battling a severe respiratory infection that initially raised concerns about his health. According to Vatican officials, his condition has stabilized, and he is now transitioning to a reduced flow of oxygen support.
Despite his illness, Francis has remained engaged in his work, alternating between rest, prayer, and limited activity. In his letter, he acknowledged how his hospitalization had given him a renewed perspective on human fragility, saying, “War appears even more absurd” in the face of suffering.
