In a world that often seems torn apart by conflict and division, the voice of Pope Leo XIV emerges as a clear and prophetic call toward a different kind of peace. Since his election in May 2025, the successor of Peter has insisted that true peace is not built with weapons, but with concrete gestures of reconciliation and encounter. This message has found a special echo in the Peruvian Church, which through its Episcopal Conference has expressed its support and closeness to the Holy Father.
The figure of Pope Leo XIV, whose given name is Robert Francis Prevost, represents for many Christians a continuity in the commitment to justice and universal fraternity. His election following the passing of Pope Francis in April 2025 marked the beginning of a pontificate that seeks to build bridges in a world full of walls. The response of the Peruvian bishops is not merely a protocol gesture, but a deep adherence to a Gospel vision of human relationships.
When Jesus said in the Gospel:
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9, NIV), He was pointing to an active, not passive, path. Being a peacemaker involves actively working for reconciliation, even when it means swimming against the current of violence and revenge that so often dominates our societies.
What Does a "Disarmed and Disarming" Peace Mean?
The expression used by Pope Leo XIV—"disarmed and disarming peace"—deserves deep reflection from our Christian faith. It is not simply the absence of conflict, but the active presence of justice, truth, and love. A "disarmed" peace voluntarily renounces the instruments of violence, while a "disarming" peace has the power to transform hearts hardened by hatred or resentment.
This vision finds its roots in the message of Jesus, who on the cross showed the power of love that overcomes evil without replicating its violence. As the apostle Paul reminds us:
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21, NIV). Christian peace is not naive—it recognizes the existence of evil—but trusts that good has a greater transformative power.
In the Latin American context, where many communities have experienced decades of conflict and violence, this call takes on particular relevance. The peace proposed by the Pope is not that imposed by the strongest, but that which springs from respectful dialogue and the common search for good. It is a peace that begins in the heart of each person and extends to family, community, and social relationships.
The Biblical Roots of Active Peace
The Bible is full of references to a peace that goes beyond mere superficial tranquility. The Hebrew shalom implies integrity, wholeness, and restored relationships. In the New Testament, Jesus presents Himself as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) who comes to reconcile humanity with God and with each other. This peace is not static, but dynamic and transformative.
When the apostle Paul writes to the Ephesians about "the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15), he is speaking of a message that fits our feet to walk toward an encounter with the other, even with whom we consider an adversary. The Gospel peace is footwear for the journey, not an armchair for comfort.
The Response of the Peruvian Church: Communion and Mission
The Peruvian Episcopal Conference, in expressing its support for Pope Leo XIV, is reaffirming its commitment to this vision of active and transformative peace. The Peruvian bishops recognize in the call of the Holy Father not only eloquent words, but a concrete program for pastoral action in a country that knows well the challenges of post-conflict reconciliation.
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