Cardinals Issue Urgent Global Ceasefire Appeal Ahead of Papal Conclave

By Staff Writer
May 6, 2025

On the eve of the papal conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor, the College of Cardinals issued a rare and heartfelt appeal for a worldwide ceasefire, with a particular focus on escalating conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The statement, released during their final General Congregation meeting on May 6, 2025, in Vatican City, urges “all parties involved to reach, as soon as possible, a permanent ceasefire and to negotiate—without preconditions and further delays—the peace so deeply desired.” The appeal comes as 133 cardinal electors prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel on May 7 to select the next leader of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church, following Pope Francis’ death on April 21.

A Call Rooted in Francis’ Legacy

The cardinals’ appeal echoes the late Pope Francis’ lifelong advocacy for peace, notably his 2022 plea to Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the Ukraine invasion and his 2020 prayer for global solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Delivered with a tone of regret for ongoing violence, the statement highlights the Church’s moral imperative to address conflicts during the ongoing Jubilee of Hope, a period emphasizing reconciliation. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, underscored the need for hope, referencing St. Peter’s Basilica’s weekly Rosary for peace every Saturday in May.

The Middle East, where Israel’s expanded offensive in Gaza has mobilized tens of thousands of reservists amid stalled ceasefire talks, was a primary focus. In Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposed three-day ceasefire for May 8–10, tied to Victory Day commemorations, has been dismissed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “theatrical performance,” with Zelenskyy advocating for a 30-day truce backed by the U.S. The cardinals’ call for a “permanent” ceasefire sidesteps these competing proposals, emphasizing unconditional negotiations.

Strategic Timing Amid Conclave Preparations

The appeal, described as a unified act by the College of Cardinals, was finalized during their ninth General Congregation, attended by 177 cardinals, including non-voting members over 80. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed the statement was dispatched to global leaders, though specific recipients were not disclosed. Posts on X, including from Vatican correspondents like @alexsalvinews and @GretchenOSV, highlight the appeal’s urgency, noting its release just hours before the conclave’s secrecy oath in the Pauline Chapel.

Analysts see the statement as both a moral stance and a strategic signal. Ariel Beramendi, a former Vatican official, noted that the cardinals, deeply divided over Francis’ progressive reforms versus conservative doctrine, may be using the appeal to project unity ahead of a potentially contentious conclave. With 108 of the 133 electors appointed by Francis, the appeal aligns with his inclusive legacy, potentially bolstering candidates like Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle or Pietro Parolin, seen as frontrunners for continuing his vision.

Global Resonance and Challenges

The appeal has garnered attention but faces skepticism. In the Middle East, Egypt-Qatar-mediated talks between Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked, with Hamas demanding a permanent ceasefire and Israel rejecting full withdrawal from Gaza. In Ukraine, Russia’s Foreign Ministry labeled Zelenskyy’s rejection of the 72-hour truce a “threat” to its May 9 celebrations, escalating tensions. The cardinals’ call, lacking enforcement power, relies on moral suasion, a tactic Francis often employed with mixed results.

Despite these challenges, the statement resonates with global Catholic communities. In East Timor, where 300,000 attended a Mass for Francis in April, local clergy echoed the ceasefire call. The appeal also aligns with the Church’s historical role in conflict mediation, as seen in Francis’ 2018 efforts for South Sudan. Whether it influences belligerents remains uncertain, but it underscores the cardinals’ intent to shape global discourse as they prepare to elect a pope who will inherit these crises.

A Pivotal Moment for the Church

As cardinals enter seclusion under Michelangelo’s frescoes, their ceasefire appeal marks a rare collective act before the conclave’s secrecy takes hold. The next pope, whether a reformer like Tagle or a traditionalist like Cardinal Péter Erdő, will face a world grappling with war and division. For now, the cardinals’ message stands as a testament to their hope that, in the words of Cardinal Re, “the Church can be a beacon of peace” during this Jubilee year.

Sources: Reuters, CNN, Al Jazeera, Vatican News, The Guardian, The New York Times