The International Association of Exorcists (AIE, by its Italian acronym) praised the "courage of Pope Leo" in the context of his constant calls for peace in the face of war and terrorism around the world and proposed various spiritual means to achieve peace.
"In light of the dramatic global events currently unfolding, Pope Leo XIV, following in the footsteps of his predecessors, stands out for his firm condemnation of all war and his heartfelt appeals for dialogue," the exorcists declared in an Italian-language statement titled "The Courage of Pope Leo."
Since the beginning of his pontificate, the Holy Father has issued many calls for dialogue and for striving for a peace that is "unarmed and disarming," especially in the face of the wars in Iran, the Holy Land, and Ukraine, among other conflicts including those in Africa, a continent he visited April 13–23, where he did not cease in his calls to put an end to the violence.
The trip was marked by some tensions between the Vatican and the U.S. government, as President Donald Trump on social media openly attacked Pope Leo XIV, who put the matter to rest by stating that he has no fear of the current U.S. administration and is fulfilling his mission to proclaim the Gospel, adding that he has no interest in entering into a debate with Trump.
The AIE noted that the current global situation is marked "by a dynamic of evil that runs through history: in which despite the presence of the devil whom Jesus called the 'prince of this world' (Jn 14:30) and the 'father of lies' (John 8:44), man's moral responsibility ultimately remains, for he remains free and called to choose the good."
"Added to the responsibility and culpability of those participating in the escalation of violence is a deeper crisis affecting the human heart wounded by sin and often incapable of recognizing truth and goodness," the exorcists pointed out.
After recalling that it is the Church's mission to proclaim that "Christ is our peace," the International Association of Exorcists said it "renews its filial closeness and support for Pope Leo XIV in the universal mission of peace and justice that belongs to the Church by mandate of its Divine Founder."
How to achieve peace?
In its exhortation, the AIE called for "never tiring of working for peace, above all through prayer, and by beginning from within our hearts, our families, and our communities to promote concrete and sincere gestures of mutual forgiveness and authentic reconciliation with all."
In this regard, the association called for various spiritual means such as "Eucharistic adoration, the recitation of the rosary, fasting, and works of mercy," which serve as "concrete ways for building peace."
The exorcists emphasized that "authentic peace is inseparable from liberation from sin and from the action of the evil one, and that spiritual combat is an intrinsic part of the Church's journey through history."
The AIE invoked the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, to "enlighten the leaders of peoples and nations and grant humanity the gift of reconciliation and true peace, which has its foundation in Christ and its full realization in eternal life."
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
