Cardinal Tobin urges faithful to pursue justice-based peace after papal visit

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, has called on the faithful to remember that peace is possible, even amid ongoing global conflicts. In a recent message, Cardinal Tobin reflected on Pope Leo XIV’s first Apostolic Journey to Türkiye and Lebanon, which took place from November 27 to December 2, 2025.

During his visit to Türkiye, Pope Leo XIV met with local Catholic communities and other Christian leaders at Iznik, the site of the ancient city of Nicaea where the first Ecumenical Council was held 1700 years ago. The pope emphasized the importance of “patient dialogue and service to those who suffer,” stating that these actions witness “to the Gospel of love and the logic of God who manifests himself in littleness.”

In Lebanon, described by Pope Leo as “a mosaic of coexistence,” he met people engaged in supporting refugees, visiting prisoners, and assisting those in need. The pope said he was moved by his meeting with families affected by the explosion at the Port of Beirut: “The Lebanese people were waiting for a word and a presence of consolation,” Pope Leo said, “but it was they who comforted me with their faith and their enthusiasm!”

Pope Leo offered this reflection:
“Dear brothers and sisters, all that has happened in these recent days in Türkiye and Lebanon teaches us that peace is possible, and that Christians in dialogue with men and women of other faiths and cultures can contribute to building it up. Let us not forget that peace is possible!”

Cardinal Tobin acknowledged skepticism about achieving lasting peace given current wars worldwide but argued that true peace comes through justice: “True, lasting peace occurs when we work toward justice. It results from the hard work of civilization, the rule of law and the proper order of social structures. Peace requires fairness, respect for human dignity and the refusal to take advantage of another’s weakness.” He cited Pope Leo’s reminder that dialogue among Christians and people from other backgrounds can help build peace.

He further stated: “Lasting peace—more than just a temporary ceasefire or a periodic break between hostile acts—is the result of charity. There can be no true peace without forgiveness or without the willingness to sacrifice our individual or collective self-interest for genuine harmony.”

Cardinal Tobin encouraged believers to let go of vengeance: “Peace has been made possible for us because, through the blood of His cross, Christ has reconciled us with God and with each other. We have been forgiven so that we may forgive others.”

As part of his New Year message for 2026, Cardinal Tobin urged prayers for Pope Leo XIV and renewed commitment to justice: “May the peace of Christ be with you in 2026 and always. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, may you find happiness and joy in working for justice and in sharing God’s gifts with others in Jesus’ name.”

Pope Leo XIV also delivered homilies during his journey emphasizing themes such as unity within communities as well as between different Christian denominations and religions. In Istanbul at Volkswagen Arena on November 29th he spoke about being a beacon set on a hill:
“Saint John Chrysostom…spoke of the allure of holiness as a sign more eloquent than many miracles…Let us therefore watch over ourselves so that we may also benefit others.”

He highlighted Isaiah’s vision where nations turn away from war: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares…nation shall not lift up sword against nation.” The pope likened bridges connecting continents across Istanbul’s Bosporus Strait to efforts needed for unity within communities.

In Beirut on December 2nd at Beirut Waterfront he noted:
“As we have heard…Jesus gives thanks…because he reveals his greatness specifically to little ones…It is also an indication for us so that we may have eyes capable recognizing smallness…” He called on everyone not to give into violence or division but instead cultivate hope.

The full texts are available at vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/homilies/2025.

The Archdiocese encourages prayer using words shared by Pope Leo XIV:
“We journey as if on a bridge that connects earth to Heaven…Let us always keep our eyes fixed on both shores…so that we may love God and our brothers and sisters with all our hearts…”