Pope Leo asked that God would inspire world leaders to calm global tensions and reduce hatred in an address to mark his first anniversary as head of the Catholic Church, a day after he met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican.

Leo, who has drawn the ire of US President Donald Trump after criticizing the Iran war, asked worshipers on Friday to pray that global governments would turn away from violence.

In a visit to Pompei, a modern city about 245 km (152 miles) south of Rome near the famed ruins of a volcanic eruption, the pope said he would join their prayers that God would begin “touching hearts, calming rancor and fratricidal hatreds, and enlightening those who have special responsibilities of government.”

Leo, the first US pope, held talks with Rubio on Thursday in an atmosphere of tension with Washington as Trump has repeatedly disparaged the pontiff on social media.

The Vatican said afterwards that the two had pledged to improve their bilateral relations, in what insiders said was an unusual recognition of unprecedented tensions.

The US embassy to the Holy See said on X........

© The Times of Israel