Pope Leo XIV in Istanbul reminded of the importance of dialogue for the unity of all Christians. During the mass attended by about 4,000 people, the Pope condemned that "we live in a world where religion is too often used to justify wars and atrocities". "Let us then put all our effort into fostering and strengthening the bonds that unite us, to mutually enrich ourselves and be, before the world, a credible sign of the universal and infinite love of the Lord," said the pontiff. On Sunday, the Pope will visit the Cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church, a gesture of closeness regarding the massacre of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire. The Pope also quoted the prophet Isaiah: "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore" and added: "How urgently we perceive this call today!". He emphasized that the relationship of man with God the Father and with other men is so closely linked that "he who does not love has not known God". The Pope called on the faithful to walk together, valuing what unites them, tearing down the walls of prejudice and distrust, and becoming "artisans of peace". Pope Leo XIV celebrated the mass at the Volkswagen Arena sports palace in Istanbul.
