Inese Steinert – Vatican City

The range of questions included reflections after visiting Turkey and Lebanon,the war in Ukraine,Europe’s presence in the peace talks,immigration,the situation in Venezuela,and several others.

Will the Pope urge israel to end its aggression against Lebanon? Is long-term peace possible in the region – were the first questions asked by a journalist from Lebanon. Leo XIV said that he had already had talks with some of the leaders of the mentioned countries and he was going to continue them either personally or through representatives of the Holy See. The Holy See has diplomatic relations with most of the countries in the region and hopes to continue the call for peace that was discussed at Holy Mass on the last day of the visit.

Although the visit was mainly ecumenical in nature and efforts to achieve Church unity, Leo XIV noted that during the trip there were personal meetings with political authorities, with people and groups whose attention is focused on the conflict of an internal and international nature in the Middle East region. The Holy See continues to persuade the parties to the conflict to lay down their weapons, renounce violence and come together at the table of dialogue.

“Holy father, a month ago you said that it was difficult to learn to be the pope,” recalled the representative of the Catholic news agency CNS. She wanted to know what Leo XIV had already learned and what was the most difficult part of the learning process. The journalist also asked if she could share some memories of the conclave.

the Pope said that a year or two ago he also thought that one day he would have to retire. Regarding the conclave, he said: “I am absolutely convinced of the secrecy of the conclave, even though there have been public interviews where some things have been revealed. The day before the election, I told a journalist who stopped me on the street that I was going to lunch with the Augustinians. She asked me: “You are one of the candidates. What do you think about that?” I simply replied, ‘Everything is in God’s hands’ and I deeply believe in Him.” “So what was it like? I sensed it as I saw things unfold and told myself it could become a reality. I took a deep breath and said, ‘Look, Lord, you’re the head, you’re leading the way!’

For those who want to know more about the person of the Holy Father, about his spirituality, he recommended to read the book “Practice of the presence of God” – a simple book written many years ago by a brother Lawrence.

An Italian journalist from the newspaper “Corriere della Sera” noted that there is currently a lot of tension between NATO and Russia, there is talk of a hybrid war, and the prospects of cyber attacks. The Pope was asked if he saw the risk of escalation, a conflict that would continue with the use of new weapons, according to senior NATO officials. In such an atmosphere, can negotiations for a just peace take place without the participation of Europe, which has been systematically excluded by the US government in these months?

Leo XIV replied that this is an crucial topic for world peace, but the Holy See has no direct involvement, as it is not part of NATO and has not participated in NATO dialogues.”Even if we have called many times for a cease-fire,