Leo XIV: between optimism for the agreement with Iran and concern for Ukraine and the Lefebvrians

Pope Leo XIV added that “we hope that the war is truly over and that we can move forward for the good of all.” He also called for “eliminating nuclear weapons” and stated that it is necessary to resolve the problems also at the economic and social level that have been created in our time.

Pope Prevost referred to the “painful news” that are being spread these days about the war in Ukraine. The conflict, after four years, “continues to lengthen.” This is proven by the Russian missile attack on the night of the 14th and 15th of this month, which caused at least 11 deaths and a serious fire in the Dormition Cathedral in kyiv, one of the most important religious symbols of the country and of the UNESCO world heritage, recalled Pope Prevost.

Much applauded by the crowd he faced a hot day in the square, with many faithful coming from Spain, Leo XIV said that his recent trip to that country “It has left me very happy.”

The trip to Spain “was wonderful,” the pontiff added. “Every moment was well prepared.” He assured that his goal of “overcoming any form of division and opposition” was achieved. He highlighted the great participation, with crowds “who welcomed us with great affection.”

He stressed that his message served to cultivate “always communion, dialogue, unity in diversity.”

In a morning audience with a Latin American organization for the protection of minors, the Pope recalled that “listening, truth, justice, reparation and a determined commitment to prevention and the culture of care for victims of abuse are a mandate for everyone in the Church.”

He recalled that on his recent apostolic trip to Spain he spoke to the bishops about “the pain of those who have been hurt by those who should care for them” and affirmed that “the ecclesial community is called to respond with justice, reparation and an increasingly determined commitment to prevention and a culture of care.”

On Tuesday night, upon leaving the summer headquarters of Castel Gandolfo, where he rests every Tuesday sixty kilometers from the Vatican, when asked about the decision of the dissidents called “the Lefebvrians” – after their founder, Monsignor Lefebvre – to ordain four new bishops without permission, the Pope said that “I am thinking and probably I’ll make a second call.” to avoid the immediate excommunication of the rebels.

The Vatican had warned the Society of Saint Pius X two weeks ago of the immediate consequences if they carried out the four “non sanctas” ordinations. The warning was signed by the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Argentine cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez.

It is possible that the new and final warning will be issued by the pontiff himself. Four bishops appointed without papal permission were already excommunicated thirty years ago. The papal decision of excommunication will be repeated in case of open disobedience.