The Pope at the Angelus on St. Stephen: "May we have the courage for dialogue and peace"

An appeal so that the example of the first martyr supports those who today work for reconciliation in lands tormented by conflicts. Pope Leo
The Pontiff invoked the intercession of Protomartire so that it “makes our faith strong and supports the communities that suffer most due to their Christian testimony”. The Pope hoped that “his example of meekness, courage and forgiveness will accompany those who engage in conflict situations to promote dialogue, reconciliation and peace”. Greeting the faithful of Rome and the pilgrims who have come from all over the world, Leo XIV concluded his message with an invitation to Christian hope: “I wish everyone a happy celebration”.

The day after the busy day Christmas messagethe Pope pronounced an indictment against the marginalization of those who pursue non-violent paths and a reminder of the power of forgiveness which surpasses that of conflicts. Pope Leo XIV, speaking before the Angelus on Boxing Day, analyzed the climate of hostility surrounding peacebuilders in the world today. “Those who today believe in peace and have chosen the unarmed path of Jesus and the martyrs are often ridiculed, pushed out of public discourse and often accused of favoring adversaries and enemies”, denounced the Pontiff. Commenting on the martyrdom of the Protomartyr, the Pontiff underlined that “the Christian does not have enemies, but brothers and sisters, who remain enemies even when we do not understand each other”.
Leo XIV explained that Stephen died forgiving “through a strength truer than that of weapons”a force that is reactivated when we start looking at others with “attention and recognition”. “Everywhere in the world there are those who choose justice even if it costs, those who put peace before their own fears, those who serve the poor instead of themselves”, continued the Pope, defining martyrdom as a “birth to heaven” and a way to “come to the light”.
The Pontiff then addressed a thought to Mary, defining her “blessed among all women who serve life and oppose care to arrogance”, invoking a joy capable of dissolving “every fear and every threat as snow melts in the sun”.