Pope Leo criticizes political nationalism and prays for reconciliation and dialogue

The Associated Press

Pope Leo XIV caresses a little girl as he arrives to celebrate a Mass for the Jubilee of New Religious Associations on Pentecost Day in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, June 8, 2025.

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV criticized the surge of nationalist political movements in the world as he prayed Sunday for reconciliation and dialogue — a message in line with his pledges to make the Catholic Church a symbol of peace.

The pope celebrated Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square in front of tens of thousands faithful, and asked the Holy Spirit to "break down barriers and tear down the walls of indifference and hatred."

Pope Leo criticizes political nationalism and prays for reconciliation and dialogue

Other newsrooms on this story

Related reading

Pope asks God to 'open borders, breakdown barriers' during papal mass - UPI.com

Pope Leo criticises ‘exclusionary mindset’ of nationalist political movements

Leo, the first US pope, criticizes nationalist politics at Sunday Mass

Pope Leo opens 2026 with plea for peace in countries bloodied by war, families…

Pope Leo calls for global leaders to choose peace in his first Easter Mass

Pope Leo XIV urges peace in first Easter Mass, skips naming conflicts in Urbi…