- Speaks on peace efforts, global tensions, and his own election during in-flight press conference
Pope Leo XIV has revealed that he had briefly contemplated retirement before his election as pope, saying he ultimately “surrendered to God” and accepted the role with trust rather than ambition. The Pope made the disclosure during an hour-long exchange with journalists aboard the papal plane returning to Rome from Lebanon, where he concluded a four-day Apostolic Journey focused on peace, dialogue, and Christian unity. Addressing 81 journalists in English, Italian and Spanish, the Pope thanked them for their work covering the trip and went on to field questions touching on Middle East tensions, the war in Ukraine, Europe’s weakened diplomatic presence, upcoming travels, and the power of interreligious dialogue.
‘Peace is possible’
Responding to questions on the fragile security situation in Lebanon and the wider region, Pope Leo said he believes “sustainable peace is achievable.” He confirmed he had already begun discreet talks with leaders from countries involved in the latest clashes and intends to continue using the Holy See’s diplomatic channels to press for dialogue over violence. “We work behind the scenes,” he said. “Our mission is to convince parties to lay down their arms and come to the table.” Asked about a message sent to him by Hezbollah ahead of his visit, he acknowledged receiving it but declined to go into detail, reiterating only the Church’s constant appeal for disarmament and dialogue.
On being elected Pope: ‘Here we go Lord, you lead the way’
Pressed about what went through his mind during the conclave, Pope Leo said he remains bound by secrecy but offered a glimpse into his spiritual approach. “I said everything is in the hands of God,” he recalled. “When I saw how things were going, I took a deep breath and said: here we go Lord, you’re in charge.” He added that until recently he had imagined retiring quietly. Instead, he embraced what he called his lifelong spirituality of surrender: “Simply give your life to the Lord and let the Lord lead.”
Ukraine war and Europe’s role
On the war in Ukraine, the Pope warned that the conflict has expanded into “a war with many aspects”—military, cyber, and economic—and stressed the need for a negotiated settlement. He noted that the United States is trying to shape a peace plan but said Europe, despite being sidelined at times, is essential to any sustainable agreement. He pointed in particular to Italy’s “cultural and historical capacity” to mediate between Ukraine, Russia and the United States, adding that the Holy See could support such efforts.
Future trips: Africa likely next
Pope Leo confirmed that while no trip has been finalised, Africa is expected to be his next destination, with a personal desire to visit Algeria, home of St Augustine, and an important bridge between Christian and Muslim worlds. He also expressed hope of eventually visiting Argentina, Uruguay and other Latin American nations.
On Venezuela: ‘The people suffer most’
Turning to Venezuela’s ongoing crisis, the Pope said the Vatican—through the bishops and its diplomatic mission—is working to de-escalate tensions. With the United States adopting a more aggressive posture toward President Nicolás Maduro, he warned that the risk of military intervention remains. “It is the people who suffer, not the authorities,” he said, urging dialogue and non-violent paths toward political change.
Christians and Muslims: ‘We must be less fearful’
Asked about fears in Europe that Islam threatens the continent’s Christian identity, Pope Leo rejected narratives rooted in xenophobia and anti-immigrant rhetoric. He pointed to Lebanon as a model of coexistence. “There is a possibility to live together, to be friends,” he said. “We should be a little less fearful and promote authentic dialogue and respect.”
German Synodal Way: ‘Dialogue needed so no voice is excluded’
On reforms being debated within the Church in Germany, the Pope said synodality must respect inculturation but warned against divisions. He called for continued dialogue within Germany so that “the voice of those who are more powerful does not silence” others. Meetings between German bishops and Vatican officials, he noted, will continue to ensure alignment with the universal Church.
A gift from a wounded region
The Pope also received a hand-painted portrait from a Lebanese correspondent—an artwork created live on television during his visit. He told journalists that Lebanon’s example of unity amid suffering offers a powerful message to a world marked by isolation and distrust. Young people today, he said, often struggle with individualism and digital disconnection. The Middle East, with its history of pain and resilience, has something unique to teach: “What an embrace can mean to someone who has suffered.” His motto, he added, is not only for Christians: “The more we promote unity and authentic human relationships, the greater the possibility we will put aside the arms of war and build peace.”
