Pope Leo XIV Urges Hebrew University to Be Artisans of Peace

On 18 June 2026, Pope Leo XIV met privately with the board of governors of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem at the Vatican. He called the university community “artisans of true peace,” urging an unarmed, humble, persevering peace that advances harmony among peoples. He stressed that universities are “privileged places for dialogue” and must continually create opportunities for meaningful encounters despite a world marked by violence and aggressive rhetoric.

‘Be artisans of true peace,’ Pope Leo XIV tells Hebrew University of Jerusalem boardPope Leo XIV urges universities to promote peace in a divided world«Be artisans of true peace»: the message from Leo XIV to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem – INFOVATICANA

The address echoes the Pope’s message for the 59th World Day of Peace (January 2026), linking personal conversion to societal reconciliation. In an era of rising armed conflicts, political polarization, and social tension, the Vatican sees higher-education institutions as natural venues for intercultural exchange, language learning, and mistrust reduction.

«Be artisans of true peace»: the message from Leo XIV to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem – INFOVATICANA

The Vatican frames the speech as a reaffirmation of the Church’s commitment to peace through education. Pope Leo XIV said knowledge must be linked to encounter with the other and that universities must “strive to ensure that opportunities for meaningful encounter continue to exist.” He noted that “God asks us to be his instruments in bringing peace to the world, but we must begin with ourselves,” and prayed the university serve as a “beacon of hope and unity in an increasingly divided world.”

‘Be artisans of true peace,’ Pope Leo XIV tells Hebrew University of Jerusalem boardPope Leo XIV urges universities to promote peace in a divided world«Be artisans of true peace»: the message from Leo XIV to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem – INFOVATICANA

• “In a time that is often characterized by violence and pointed rhetoric, the members of your diverse university community can continue to be artisans of true peace, a peace that is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering, working for harmony among peoples,” — Pope Leo XIV

‘Be artisans of true peace,’ Pope Leo XIV tells Hebrew University of Jerusalem board

• “While not always easy, universities must constantly work to ensure that opportunities for meaningful encounters remain available,” — Pope Leo XIV

‘Be artisans of true peace,’ Pope Leo XIV tells Hebrew University of Jerusalem board

• “In an atmosphere where respectful dialogue is possible, everyone can grow in knowledge through learning from the points of view and living testimonies of others, even those with whom they might disagree.” — Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV urges universities to promote peace in a divided world

• “Rather than believing peace to be impossible and beyond our reach, we must seek to promote it in our communities and to welcome and recognize it in our own lives,” — Pope Leo XIV

‘Be artisans of true peace,’ Pope Leo XIV tells Hebrew University of Jerusalem board

All four source excerpts present a consistent account of the audience and the Pope’s remarks; no discrepancies or external criticism were reported.

‘Be artisans of true peace,’ Pope Leo XIV tells Hebrew University of Jerusalem board

The Vatican encourages the Hebrew University to turn the Pope’s exhortations into concrete programs that promote intercultural dialogue and conflict-resolution training. Aligning its activities with the call for “artisans of peace” would advance the Church’s broader agenda of fostering global harmony through education.

‘Be artisans of true peace,’ Pope Leo XIV tells Hebrew University of Jerusalem board