VATICAN CITY—Pope Leo XIV delivered one of his most impassioned speeches yet at the Vatican, declaring “Enough of war!” during a prayer vigil for peace, as he condemned ongoing violence in the Middle East and urged the world to embrace love, moderation, and unity.

Pope Leo XIV presided over a solemn prayer vigil inside St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, where he issued a fiery plea against global conflict. The American-born pontiff, known for his soft-spoken demeanor, raised his voice in a rare moment of intensity, lashing out against warmongers and calling on billions worldwide to reject violence and rediscover compassion.

“Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war! True strength is shown in serving life,” Pope Leo declared, his words echoing through the basilica as thousands of faithful joined him in prayer.

The vigil came amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where renewed clashes have claimed countless lives and displaced families. Pope Leo described the moment as a “dramatic hour in history,” stressing that faith and solidarity were essential to overcoming division. “We must believe once again in love, moderation and good politics,” he urged, framing peace as not only a spiritual duty but also a political necessity.

Observers noted that the pontiff’s remarks were among his strongest condemnations of war since his election. His appeal resonated with many who see the Vatican as a moral compass in times of turmoil. The Pope’s words were widely shared across verified social media platforms, where hashtags like #EnoughOfWar and #PrayForPeace trended globally, amplifying his message beyond the walls of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Vatican has historically played a role in advocating for peace, but Pope Leo’s fiery tone underscored the urgency of the current crisis. His call to reject “idolatry of self and money” was interpreted as a rebuke of leaders and institutions profiting from war, while his insistence on “serving life” highlighted the humanitarian toll of ongoing conflicts.

As the vigil concluded, Pope Leo left the basilica to sustained applause, his words lingering in the minds of those present and millions who followed online. His declaration “Enough of war!” now stands as a rallying cry for peace, a reminder that in an age of division, the pursuit of unity and compassion remains the Church’s most urgent mission.