Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, called for a renewed commitment to diplomacy to resolve global conflicts during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, marking the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Accords.

The 1975 Cold War-era agreement, signed by 35 nations in Finland, ushered in a new era of security and human rights, leading to the creation of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). “Today, more than ever, it is imperative to cherish the spirit of Helsinki, persevere in dialogue, strengthen cooperation, and make diplomacy the preferred way to prevent and resolve conflicts,” Leo stated.

Reflecting on the accords, signed on August 1, 1975, by leaders including U.S. President Gerald Ford and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev under Finnish President Urho Kekkonen’s hosting, Leo highlighted their role in fostering East-West rapprochement and prioritizing human rights, particularly religious freedom. The Holy See’s delegation, led by Archbishop Agostino Casaroli, championed Ostpolitik, promoting dialogue with Eastern Europe. Amid ongoing conflicts like Russia’s war in Ukraine, Leo’s remarks underscore the accords’ enduring relevance.

The Pope also condemned a recent attack on a Catholic church in eastern Congo, where Islamic State-backed rebels killed 38 worshippers, including 15 women and nine children, during a prayer vigil. “I entrust the victims to God’s mercy, pray for the wounded, and urge local and international leaders to prevent such tragedies,” he said.

The audience, attended by tens of thousands of pilgrims for a Holy Year celebration for young Catholics, marked the resumption of Leo’s weekly engagements after a summer break.

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