Pope Leo: violence raging in Christian East with ‘a diabolical intensity’ that shames mankind
Charles Collins/Crux• June 26, 2025
Pope Leo XIV has warned that violence against Christians in the East is raging “with a diabolical intensity” of the likes not seen before. He also criticised the “special interests” that perpetuate the violence while also calling out the lack of effective action taken by the world’s leaders to end the bloodshed.
The pontiff said it was “truly distressing” to see an intensity of violence “previously unknown”, as well as the principle of “might makes right” prevailing in so many of today’s conflicts, “all for the sake of legitimising the pursuit of self-interest”.
He made his comments on 26 June at the Vatican when addressing members of the Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches (ROACO), a Vatican committee which unites funding agencies from various countries around the world for the sake of providing assistance in various areas. These include building churches, creating scholarships, establishing houses of study and formation, and founding social and health care facilities.
“I thank you because, together with all your benefactors, you are sowing seeds of hope in the lands of the Christian East, which today, as never before, are devastated by wars, plundered by special interests, and covered by a cloud of hatred that renders the air unbreathable and toxic,” Pope Leo said.
“You provide a breath of oxygen to the Eastern Churches, so worn down by the conflicts in course. For many people, poor in means but rich in faith, you are a light that shines amid the dark shadows of hatred. I ask you with all my heart to continue to do everything possible to help these Churches, so precious and so greatly afflicted.”
The Pope said the history of the Eastern Catholic Churches “has often been marked by suffering and violence”.
“Sadly, there have also been instances of oppression and misunderstanding within the Catholic community itself, which at times failed to acknowledge and appreciate the value of traditions other than those of the West. Yet today, violent conflict seems to be raging in the Christian East with a diabolical intensity previously unknown,” Leo said.
The Pope mentioned the violence in the Holy Land and in Ukraine, which he said are “ravaged by the spread of war”.
“All of us, by virtue of our humanity, are called upon to examine the causes of these conflicts, to identify those that are real and to attempt to resolve them,” he said, while specifically condemning the spread of “fake news” and its effect of “emotional manipulation”.
Leo said the Christian East today is “devastated by wars, plundered by special interests and covered by a cloud of hatred that renders the air unbreathable and toxic”.
He also said that it is troubling to see that the forces of international and humanitarian law seem no longer to be binding, “replaced by the alleged right to coerce others”.
“This is unworthy of our humanity, shameful for all mankind and for the leaders of nations,” he said.
“I ask myself,” the Pope continued, “as Christians, in addition to feeling outraged, speaking out and rolling up our sleeves as peacemakers and promoters of dialogue, what else can we do?”
First and foremost, he then said, prayer is needed.
“It is up to us to make every tragic news story, every newsreel that we see, a cry of intercession before God,” Leo said. “And then to offer help.”
Earlier in the week, Pope Leo described a terrorist attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus as “vile” during his Wednesday general audience at the Vatican.
Authorities say at least 25 people were killed on Sunday, 22 June, after a suicide bombing at Prophet Elias Church. Dozens of people were also injured. Syrian authorities say ISIS is believed responsible for the attack.
RELATED: Pope Leo denounces terrorist attack in Syria on Greek Orthodox church
Photo: Pope Leo blesses representatives of the Reunion of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches (ROACO), Vatican, 26 June 2025. (Credit: Vatican Media.)