Pope Leo XIV, newly appointed head of the Catholic Church, has made headlines after posting a series of thought-provoking tweets on Twitter, tackling global conflict and urging unity.
Though it’s rare to see religious leaders embrace social media in such a direct way, the move has been widely praised. The 69-year-old pontiff, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was officially named Pope on May 8, succeeding Pope Francis and taking on the name Leo XIV.
Just days into his papacy, Pope Leo made a splash online — not only for stepping into the digital realm but also for sharing a heartfelt message on May 14. His first post read:
“Peace be with you all! This is the first greeting spoken by the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd… May this peace reach your hearts, homes, and all corners of the earth.”
He followed up with reflections on preserving the traditions of the Christian East and cited the importance of nurturing spiritual heritage in diaspora communities. He emphasized that the ancient practices of Eastern Christianity carry the power to heal, blending human vulnerability with the compassion of God.
The Pope didn’t shy away from discussing the harsh reality of today’s violent conflicts either. Referencing ongoing wars and human suffering, he stated that such tragedies should not be met with silence but with moral outrage. He reminded followers that Christ’s peace is not the quiet aftermath of war nor the result of oppression — but a deeper call to reconciliation, forgiveness, and bravery.
In his final tweet, the Pope made a passionate plea:
“War is not destiny. Weapons must fall silent — they only worsen suffering. Those who build peace leave a lasting legacy; those who destroy only bring loss. We must see others not as enemies, but as people worthy of dialogue.”
The Pope’s messages have gone viral, quickly gaining him a staggering 18.5 million followers. His words struck a chord globally, with many praising his modern approach and heartfelt focus on global unity. One user commented, “This message of peace is more important now than ever.”