This Is the Hour for Love: A Reflection on Unity Amid Global Division

“That they may all be one; as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.”— John 17:21

Today, history is being written in the heart of Rome. As Pope Leo XIV stood at the altar of St. Peter’s Square, surrounded by a sea of faithful from every nation, his words echoed with a clarity the world desperately needs:

“Brothers and sisters, this is the hour for love. The heart of the Gospel is the love of God that makes us brothers and sisters. With my predecessor, Leo XIII, we can ask ourselves today: If this criterion were to prevail in the world, would not every conflict cease and peace return?”

And just like that, the world paused — if only for a moment — to remember what truly matters.

This sacred inauguration drew world leaders, religious dignitaries, Orthodox and Eastern Catholic brethren, laypeople, and pilgrims from every corner of the earth. They did not gather to argue. They gathered to witness something bigger than themselves. In that crowd, cultural and political differences faded, and for a moment, humanity stood united — not by ideology, but by the call of God’s love.

A World in Turmoil

But outside the spiritual calm of St. Peter’s, the world is bleeding.

In the Philippines, recent elections have deepened national rifts. Brothers turn against brothers over politics. Families break over differing allegiances. Unity seems more like an aspiration than a reality.

In the United States, internal discord continues to divide communities. Social and political tensions escalate, often fueled by hatred disguised as activism. Citizens speak of freedom, yet many are bound by fear and anger.

Across Europe, extremism threatens the peace of long-standing democracies. Infiltration by terrorist ideologies has left many afraid to express faith or culture. Instead of unity, suspicion now thrives.

In Africa, Christians are being martyred in silence. Churches are burned, worshipers are killed, and entire communities live in fear simply because of their faith. These are modern martyrs the world often ignores.

In Asia, China’s growing aggression stirs regional anxiety, suppresses religious freedom, and threatens peace with neighboring nations. In several parts of Asia, to follow one’s conscience is to risk everything.

In the Middle East, especially in Israel and its neighboring countries, violence and war continue to consume generations. The cycle of hatred and retaliation seems unending, drowning the cries for peace in the roar of missiles.

The Answer We’ve Forgotten

But Pope Leo XIV reminded us today of a different path — one that doesn't deny our differences but embraces them with love:

“We are called to offer God's love to everyone, in order to achieve that unity which does not cancel out differences, but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people.”

“With the light and strength of the Holy Spirit, let us build a Church founded on God's love, a sign of unity, a missionary Church that opens its arms to the world… and becomes a lever of harmony for humanity.”

This is the heart of the Gospel. Not domination. Not erasure of identity. But radical, reconciling love.

Pope Leo XIV is not speaking of naïve optimism, but of the boldest revolution — the one that starts in the heart. A revolution of compassion, of truth, of seeing the other not as a rival, but as a brother or sister.

One Humanity, One God

What if we lived this out?

What if leaders governed with love at the center?

What if nations saw faith not as a threat, but as a bridge?

What if every human being was treated with dignity — regardless of race, faith, or politics?

Wouldn’t wars end?

Wouldn’t peace become not only possible, but inevitable?

It’s time to believe again.

To believe that harmony is stronger than hate.

That God's love is the greatest unifier in a fractured world.

That we are stronger together.

The Call to Us All

Pope Leo XIV’s homily was not just for bishops or diplomats. It was for you. For me. For every person tired of division and longing for peace.

The path forward begins where the Gospel begins — with love.

Let us answer this call.

Let us be the Church that opens its arms to the world.

Let us be people who listen, reconcile, and forgive.

Because truly, this is the hour for love.