The Bishops of Scotland once again make an “urgent appeal to political leaders across the world to pursue peace with courage, determination, and sincerity”. Particularly in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan and South Sudan, “the need for dialogue and diplomatic solutions has never been more pressing”. In their statement, the Bishops also express their gratitude to Pope Leo “for his clear and consistent voice in calling for peace” and for being “a guiding light for the Church and the world at this critical time”. They remember his words: “Let us choose encounter over confrontation, and the courage of peace over the illusion of power”, calling on Scottish Catholics to continue to pray fervently for an end to violence and for the triumph of justice and reconciliation. Finally, the Bishops urge “all people of goodwill to stand together in hope”, because “peace is not beyond reach – but it requires genuine humility, courage, and a shared commitment to the dignity of every human life”.