Pope Leo has issued one of his strongest appeals yet against war, polarisation and social division, urging believers to foster dialogue and friendship in a fractured world.
Speaking to tens of thousands in the Italian city of Rimini, Leo warned against a culture that "rearms minds, words and nations" and argued that Christians must respond with mercy, encounter and a commitment to peace.
He also delivered a message of encouragement to young Catholics, telling them they are "a sign that the future is promising, and not a threat!"
Earlier in San Marino, Leo addressed local authorities of the world's oldest surviving republic and reflected on the legacy of Saints Marino and Leone, whom he credited with helping create a society rooted in freedom, mutual respect and community.
The Pope said the two saints translated the Christian message into "a new community and political model, strongly characterised by the Christian principles of freedom, mutual respect and communion".
He warned modern societies face increasing threats from violence, social fragmentation and ideologies that put self-interest ahead of the common good.
"We live in a world wounded by many conflicts," the Pope said, citing growing violence, closures and fear of others.
He urged Christians to respond through forgiveness, solidarity and concern for the vulnerable.
Later, Leo addressed the annual Rimini Meeting - a major Catholic cultural festival organised by the Communion and Liberation movement - urging Catholics to respond to a world marked by war, division and inequality with dialogue, friendship and encounter.
He said peace is built by people "who love to encounter one another and are not afraid to engage with one another," arguing that human dignity must come before political, social and ideological divisions.
In some of his strongest comments to date on global tensions, he warned against what he described as a growing culture of confrontation and militarisation.
Christians should recognise "there can be no enemies," and that even opponents are "a brother or sister to be looked in the eye and encountered in truth," Leo added.
