At a time when we are experiencing an immense famine of Love and a suicidal selfishness is contaminating the whole of humanity, today’s visit by the Holy Father is a source of comfort for all those who work for dialogue, social justice and Peace: that Unarmed and Disarming Peace which, by pure coincidence, is enshrined in the first article of the ‘Constitution of the United States of the World’ — approved by 181 countries and 16,000 civil society organisations on 18 November 2022 — and is among the first words spoken a year ago by Pope Leo XIV immediately after his election as Supreme Pontiff.
It was a moving experience to welcome him to the headquarters of the United States of the World and the Museum of Peace, where the ground and first floors house the permanent exhibition dedicated to “Francis, the Pope of All Peoples”.
It is also significant that Pope Leo XIV passed by the Museum twice, before and after the meeting at Naples Cathedral, in an ideal embrace with his predecessor and with Saint John Paul II, who was among the first supporters of the United States of the World: this is why the Holy See’s flag, bearing his dedication, was displayed to welcome Pope Prevost.
A further coincidence is the decision by the Council of Ambassadors – meeting in Fez a few days ago – to award Pope Leo XIV the prestigious “UNITED STATES OF THE WORLD AWARD – SPECIAL EDITION”.
The account of this day also concludes a book dedicated to the Holy Father entitled “LEON XIV. THE POPE OF PEACE”.

The “United States of the World” and the “Fondazione Mediterraneo” express their appreciation to the Holy Father Leo XIV for having highlighted the importance of Naples as a “Bridge over the Mediterranean” during his pastoral visit.
For over forty years we have been committed to strengthening the role of Naples, a capital capable of “thinking European” and “breathing Mediterranean”: three thousand events – including 4 Forums and 35 international conferences – have helped to promote Mediterranean culture and the importance of a great city such as Naples.
The headquarters of the “United States of the World” – with regular visits from Heads of State and Government, religious leaders, and figures from the worlds of culture, science and research – serves as an important reference point for consolidating the city’s role.
“May God quell fraternal hatred and enlighten leaders,” said the Holy Father, highlighting one of the fundamental problems that cause wars, conflicts, poverty and social injustices.
Hope comes from young people: they must become “seekers of the positive” in order to be “shapers of the future”.
A delegation from the United States of the World and the Fondazione Mediterraneo took part in the meetings with the Pope at the Duomo and in Piazza Plebiscito.

A delegation from the “United States of the World” and the “Fondazione Mediterraneo” took part in the celebrations for the Supplication and Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Pompei, one year after his election as Supreme Pontiff.
The Pope entrusts world peace to Our Lady: “May she quell fratricidal hatred and enlighten those who bear the responsibility of government.” Twenty thousand people embrace him. Then, speaking off the cuff:
“Here I am the first to be blessed. Our Mother is always with us. We are all called to be witnesses of Christ in society.”
“Good morning, Pompei.” Thousands of people are gathered in front of the basilica overlooking the square named after the founder of the Marian shrine: Bartolo Longo.
Leo XIV recites the Supplication at midday to the sound of bells.
“O Queen of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii, intercede for peace in the world,” he writes in his own hand, in neat handwriting, on the card he has distributed to all those present. And in his homily he adds: “Through her intercession, may the God of peace pour out an overflowing abundance of mercy, touching hearts, soothing grudges and fratricidal hatred, and enlightening those who bear special responsibilities of government”.
Facing the sick and disabled people he meets inside the sanctuary, which is entirely reserved for them, he confides: “I feel I am the first to be blessed by being here.” Words spoken once again off the cuff. Like those in which he recalls that “even today Jesus walks with us” and that “we are all called to be the presence of Christ in the world”. Or those “Marian” words in the square, which are met with a long and warm round of applause: “In Pompeii we know full well that the Mother is always with us.”

Secretary-General Michele Capasso and Pia Molinari met with Ahmed Abdel Latif, Egyptian Ambassador to Morocco, the son of Nehad Abdel Latif, who served as Egyptian Ambassador to Rome for many years and was one of the earliest staunch supporters of the “United States of the World” and the Fondazione Mediterraneo.
On this occasion, there was a video link with Ambassador Nehad from Cairo, and a wide range of issues concerning the Euro-Mediterranean region were discussed.