Italy Pope

Pope Leo XIV delivers his message at the 47th Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples in Rimini, Italy, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.

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Pope Leo calls for dialogue over conflict, says young Catholics are a sign of hope

Pope Leo calls for dialogue over conflict, says young Catholics are a sign of hope

Pope Leo XIV has used a visit to San Marino and a major Catholic gathering in the nearby Italian city of Rimini to urge Catholics to reject division, conflict and social polarization, calling instead for dialogue, mercy and friendship across political and cultural differences. He spoke on Saturday at the annual Rimini Meeting, warning against a culture that “rearms minds, words and nations.” Leo said Christians should work to overcome poverty, inequality and war. He also delivered a strong message to young Catholics, describing them as “a sign that the future is promising, and not a threat,” and encouraging them to engage with society and help build a “civilization of love.”