Pope Francis’ calls for peace, dialogue and negotiation never wavered. In his homilies, he repeatedly asked for prayers for those affected by war and conflict throughout the world. In 2025, he invited “every individual, and all peoples and nations, to find the courage needed to walk through that door, to become pilgrims of hope, to silence the sound of arms and overcome divisions.”

Always a champion for the dignity of human life regardless of circumstances, he said this on the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees in 2022: 

“The Kingdom of God is to be built with them, for without them it would not be the Kingdom that God wants. The inclusion of those most vulnerable is the necessary condition for full citizenship in God’s Kingdom …

“Indeed, history teaches us that the contribution of migrants and refugees has been fundamental to the social and economic growth of our societies. This continues to be true in our own day. Their work, their youth, their enthusiasm and their willingness to sacrifice enrich the communities that receive them.” 

“Let us entrust to Mary the whole world, so that hope may be reborn and peace may finally spring up for all the peoples of the earth.”   – Pope Francis