In a world of polarization and cancel culture, where each voice is clamoring to be heard, messages of peace are needed now more than ever.
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV gave his first welcome address to Rome and to the world on May 8 and held his first press conference on May 12. In both addresses, he emphasized becoming peacemakers — a message that echoed the counsel President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has given since becoming prophet.
BYU professor Michael MacKay noted that to have two prominent religious leaders call upon the world to become peacemakers is “remarkable.”
“It’s a response to what’s happening in the world, and it’s a positive, Christian response,” MacKay said.
Peacemakers needed
Both Pope Leo XIV and President Nelson reminded the world that “blessed are the peacemakers,” quoting one of the famous beatitudes taught by Jesus Christ during the Sermon on the Mount.
“This is a beatitude that challenges all of us, but it is particularly relevant to you, calling each one of you to strive for a different kind of communication,” Pope Leo XIV said.
The contention in the world can be overwhelming for those striving for peace, but the pope encouraged all to take small steps in their personal lives to cultivate peace.
“Peace begins with each one of us: in the way we look at others, listen to others and speak about others,” he said.
President Nelson taught a similar principle in the April 2023 General Conference.
“You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation. I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always,” President Nelson said.
Hope for the future
Many are fearful about the future of the increasingly confusing and divisive world. Pope Leo XIV and President Nelson acknowledged these concerns, but ultimately their messages were centered on hope for the future.
“We are living in times that are both difficult to navigate and to recount. They present a challenge for all of us, but it is one that we should not run away from,” Pope Leo XIV said.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Nelson gave a promise about embracing the future with faith.
"I am not saying that the days ahead will be easy, but I promise you that the future will be glorious for those who are prepared and who continue to prepare to be instruments in the Lord’s hands," President Nelson said in the October 2020 General Conference.
Although the message was directed to the women of the Church, President Nelson has also directed similar messages of hope to the entire world.
Follow Jesus Christ
Ultimately, Pope Leo XIV and President Nelson urged the world to become followers of Jesus Christ, the only true source of peace.
“As we follow the Prince of Peace, we will become His peacemakers,” President Nelson said.
Despite the differences in theology, both Catholics and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follow Jesus Christ.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized this unity, saying that it is, “Christ’s love that unites and makes us one people, guided by the Good Shepherd.”