Papal encouragement for symposium on Eastern Christians and peace

November 05, 2026

Pope Leo XIV offered encouragement to representatives of two French organizations as they prepared to host a symposium on Eastern Christians and peacebuilding.

“You have chosen to bring together several academic disciplines in dialogue with one another in order to better understand contemporary conflicts and to seek the conditions for a just and lasting peace, particularly in the Middle East,” Pope Leo said during his November 4 audience with members of L’Œuvre d’Orient and the Institut Chrétiens d’Orient.

“Thus, by reflecting on the criteria for a just and lasting peace, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, you are becoming servants of a peace that is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering,” the Pope continued. “Be, therefore, sowers of hope through your reflection and your action, while maintaining the humility taught to us by the Gospel.

 

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Further information:

• To a Delegation of L’Œuvre d’Orient and the Institut Chrétiens d’Orient (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 11/4/26)
• Audience with a delegation of “L’Oeuvre d’Orient” and the “Institut Chrétiens d’Orient” (Holy See Press Office, 11/4/26)
• Pope: Eastern Christians foster dialogue in search of just peace (Vatican News, 11/4/26)