Pope Leo XIV's Theology of Disarming Language

The theme of peace is central to Pope Leo XIV's pontificate, and therefore his groundbreaking theological approach to “disarming language” represents one of the most distinctive and urgent contributions of his early teaching. Between May and October 2025, this theme evolved from an initial intuition into a comprehensive theological and educational program, addressing the contemporary crisis of hate speech, polarization, and verbal violence that characterizes our digital age.

First: A Vision

On May 8, 2025, immediately upon his election, Leo XIV introduced the foundational concept of “unarmed and disarming peace.” This was not merely rhetorical flourish but the cornerstone of what would become his systematic theological response to the “war of words” plaguing contemporary society. As the first Augustinian Pope, Leo XIV drew deeply from St. Augustine's wisdom, particularly the saint's insight that “We are the times” – emphasizing personal responsibility in shaping the moral climate of our era.

The Pope's manifesto came four days later in his address to journalists, where he pronounced what would become his signature motto: “Let us disarm words and we will help to disarm the Earth.” This powerful formulation linked linguistic violence directly to physical violence, suggesting that peace begins not with treaties or political agreements but with the transformation of how we communicate. Leo XIV identified aggressive language not merely as a symptom but as a fundamental cause of conflict, arguing that “words can also hurt and kill, not just weapons.”

Three Phases of Development

The evolution of this theology unfolded in three distinct phases. The initial phase in May focused on denunciation – clearly identifying the problem of verbal warfare and its destructive consequences. Leo XIV rejected what he called “loud, muscular communication,” advocating instead for a communication style “capable of listening, of gathering the voices of the weak who have no voice.”

During the summer months, the Pope deepened his analysis, exploring how disarming language applies across different spheres of life. In the pastoral realm, he challenged bishops to offer “concrete closeness” rather than verbal “recipes.” In the digital sphere, he called for developing language that “repairs networks” rather than breaking them. For journalists, he emphasized “docile meekness” and the priority of listening before speaking. This phase revealed three consistent principles: listening must precede speaking, language should unite rather than divide, and meekness should characterize our communicative style.

The culmination came in October with the Apostolic Letter “Drawing New Maps of Hope,” which transformed critique into constructive proposal. Here, Leo XIV integrated his theology of language into a comprehensive educational framework, articulating three imperatives that form a programmatic vision: “Disarm words, raise your gaze, guard your heart.”

Theological Foundations

The Augustinian roots of Leo XIV's approach are unmistakable. Drawing from the Confessions and Augustine's sermons, the Pope links the search for authentic speech to the search for God himself. The famous Augustinian insight that “our hearts are restless until they rest in you” becomes, in Leo XIV's interpretation, a call for linguistic authenticity as a spiritual discipline. Language becomes a site of conversion, where the transformation of words reflects and enables the transformation of hearts.

The Pope's theology presents communication as fundamentally relational rather than transactional. “Relationships come before opinions, people before programmes,” he insists. This prioritization challenges the dominant paradigms of contemporary discourse, where winning arguments often matters more than preserving human dignity. By linking peace to truthful and authentic language, Leo XIV suggests that verbal violence represents not just poor communication but a form of sin against human community and ultimately against God.

Practical Applications

Leo XIV's vision extends beyond abstract theology to concrete practices. His call for “education for peace that is ‘unarmed and disarming’” transforms the Beatitude “Blessed are the peacemakers” into both method and content of learning. He advocates for “fewer labels, more stories; fewer sterile contrasts, more harmony in the Spirit.” This approach challenges educational institutions, media organizations, and digital platforms to fundamentally reconsider their role in either perpetuating or healing linguistic violence.

The Pope's emphasis on “docile meekness” and listening before speaking offers a counter-cultural alternative to the aggressive assertion that dominates social media. His vision suggests that true strength lies not in verbal dominance but in the vulnerability of genuine listening and the courage to speak truth with gentleness.

Contemporary Relevance

In an era marked by fake news, social media polarization, and increasingly violent political rhetoric, Leo XIV's theology of disarming language appears remarkably prescient. His insight that “where words take on ambiguous and ambivalent connotations and the virtual world, with its altered perception of reality, takes over without control, it is difficult to build authentic relationships” speaks directly to our current crisis of truth and community. By making “disarming words” central to his magisterium, Leo XIV demonstrates how ancient wisdom – particularly Augustine's fourth-century insights – remains prophetically relevant for addressing twenty-first-century challenges.

Beyond Words: Personal Embodiment

Crucially, Pope Leo XIV's theology of “disarming language” extends far beyond textual or verbal communication. It manifests in his personal style, behaviours, and choices, demonstrating that authentic communication involves the totality of one's being. From his very first appearance on the Loggia, his greeting “Peace be with you! This is the peace of the Risen Christ, an unarmed and disarming peace, humble and persevering” set a tone of gentleness rather than triumphalism.

His deliberate rejection of what he calls “loud, muscular communication” in favour of speech that is “capable of listening, of gathering the voices of the weak who have no voice” reflects not just a theoretical position but a personal communicative style. When addressing bishops, he emphasizes “closeness” over “verbal recipes,” and when speaking to journalists, he models “docile meekness that is good for the heart” rather than aggressive assertion.

The Pope's preference for simple, direct formulations over complex theological jargon makes his message accessible to all. His choice to quote St. Augustine's “We are the times” emphasizes personal responsibility rather than institutional authority. His call for “fewer labels, more stories; fewer sterile contrasts, more harmony in the Spirit” reflects his own approach to teaching through narrative and synthesis rather than condemnation.

This holistic approach suggests that “disarming language” is ultimately about disarming oneself – releasing the need for verbal armour, rhetorical weapons, and communicative shields. Leo XIV shows that peaceful communication flows from a peaceful heart, that authentic words emerge from an authentic life, and that the transformation of language requires the transformation of the speaker. His personal example reveals that the path to peace begins not merely with different words but with a different way of being in relationship with others, embodying the humility, perseverance, and genuine openness he preaches.

Thierry Bonaventura

Communication manager
General Secretariat of the Synod