by Marco Baratto
Zurich, May 29, 2025 – During the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement, Pope Leo XIV delivered what may be one of the most symbolically powerful and politically charged messages of his papacy. While on the surface, his words appeared as a simple call for Christian love and reconciliation, a deeper reading reveals a bold, indirect plea for peace—particularly aimed at the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Hidden in the language of unity, healing, and historical memory, lies what can only be described as "The Leo Code".
"The Courage to Love": More Than Just a Motto
The Pope's message was centered around the theme chosen by the Mennonite community for the commemoration: "The Courage to Love." At first glance, the phrase echoes a universal Christian principle. Yet Leo XIV's interpretation goes further: "This theme reminds us, above all, of the need for Catholics and Mennonites alike to make every effort to live out the commandment of love, the call to Christian unity, and the mission to serve our neighbor." He stressed the importance of reflecting honestly on the shared history of Catholics and Mennonites, a history marked by pain, division, and misunderstanding.
However, this wasn't just a theological exercise. Beneath the language of reconciliation, the Pope sent a deeper message to the world.
Mennonites and Ukraine: A Forgotten Chapter Speaks Loudly
The Pope's seemingly indirect reference to Ukraine becomes much clearer when viewed in light of the Mennonites' own history. In 1786, thousands of German Mennonites settled in the southern lands of the Russian Empire—what is today modern Ukraine—at the invitation of Catherine the Great, who promised religious freedom and farmland. These communities flourished for a time, living in peace and contributing to the region's agricultural development.
However, after the Bolshevik Revolution, most Mennonite descendants were forced to flee. They scattered across the United States, Canada, Paraguay, and eventually Mexico. Some left North America in later years due to enforced English-language education, seeking refuge in more isolated areas where they could preserve their language, faith, and lifestyle.
This history, interwoven with Ukraine's identity, is no mere backdrop to the Pope's message—it is a powerful symbol of peace, displacement, religious tolerance, and survival.
So when Pope Leo wrote:
"In today's world, torn apart by war, our ongoing journey of healing and strengthening fraternity plays a vital role. The more united Christians are, the more powerful our witness to Christ, the Prince of Peace, will be in building a civilization of love and encounter."
…it was impossible not to hear a subtle yet clear reference to Ukraine—a land once defined by religious tolerance, now suffering under the weight of ongoing conflict.
A Lesson from Catherine the Great
The Pope didn't mention Ukraine or the war directly. But by recalling the example of Catherine the Great's policy of religious freedom, he highlighted a powerful historical contrast. The Empress, in the 18th century, provided sanctuary and protection for Mennonites—a model of state-led tolerance rarely seen in that era.
in this context it seems that the Pope asked himself this question:
If an autocrat like Catherine could make space for peace and religious coexistence, why can't today's leaders—especially those responsible for war—do the same?
This rhetorical challenge comes cloaked in pastoral language, but its target is unmistakable.
The Leo Code: A New Form of Papal Diplomacy
Leo XIV, known for his gentle tone and theological depth, has crafted a message that bypasses political confrontation in favor of moral persuasion. His words aren't headlines; they're signals—meant for those who know how to listen. In this, he echoes the approach of past popes who often spoke "between the lines" in times of global crisis.
By evoking the Gospel ("…that all may be one" – John 17:21) and quoting St. Augustine ("Give what you command and command what you will"), the Pope connects the call for unity not only to theological ideals but to the practical need for reconciliation—in homes, in churches, and among nations.
Memory as a Weapon for Peace
The Pope's approach is rooted in "the purification of memory." By inviting Catholics and Mennonites to revisit their shared past, he offers a roadmap for all Christians—and indeed all humanity—to heal wounds that continue to divide. His message is simple but radical: only by facing history together can we build a different future.
A Prophetic Voice in a Divided World
With this message, Pope Leo XIV has done more than speak to a specific Christian group. He has offered a model of prophetic leadership, one that doesn't shout but resonates deeply. His reflection on the Mennonite diaspora, the legacy of religious tolerance in Ukraine, and the spiritual imperative of unity—all point to a singular truth: the Christian mission is incompatible with war.
And so, even without naming it, the Pope has made a decisive appeal: let the violence end, let unity begin.
This is The Leo Code—a quiet call to conscience, delivered with grace, aimed at shaking the foundations of indifference. And in a world hungering for peace, that whisper may just be the loudest sound of all.
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