In a letter to the editor-in-chief of the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Luciano Fontano, Pope Francis urged people around the world to come together and work towards making the world a more peaceful place. The 88-year-old Pope, who is recovering from pneumonia, reflected on how his illness made him see war as even more pointless.
At the beginning of the letter, Pope Francis thanked Fontano for his kind words and support. He spoke about how human fragility reminds us of what truly matters in life—what lasts and what fades, what gives life and what destroys. He encouraged journalists and those working in the media to spread the message that the world needs more calmness and understanding.
The Pope also shared his thoughts on war, saying it only brings destruction to people and the environment. He suggested that religions could help by inspiring a sense of unity, justice, and hope for peace among people.
Dated March 14, 2025, the letter reads:
“Dear Director,
I want to thank you for your kind words and support during this time of illness. As I have said before, war feels even more senseless when faced with sickness. Being vulnerable helps us see what truly matters in life. Maybe that’s why people often avoid those who are weak or suffering—they force us to question the path we have taken as individuals and as a society.”
Pope Francis continued:
“I encourage you and all those working in media to recognize the power of words. Words are not just words—they shape our world. They can bring people together or tear them apart. They can serve the truth or be used for other purposes. We need to choose our words carefully to create a more peaceful world. The world needs more reflection, calmness, and understanding.”
He went on to say that war only destroys communities and nature, without actually solving problems. He called for renewed energy and trust in diplomacy and international organizations. He also said that religions can play a role in inspiring justice, brotherhood, and the hope for peace.
The Pope ended his letter by saying:
“Creating peace requires effort, patience, and careful words. Let us all work together in this mission, guided by the grace of God.”
