PUTRAJAYA: Expressing strong support for Pope Leo XIV’s global call for peace, Malaysia and Australia are calling on nations to pursue dialogue in order to prevent further atrocities.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Pope’s message represents a universal moral appeal that transcends religious boundaries, and that calls for peace must be supported by people of all faiths and nations.
“(Australian Prime Minister Anthony) Albanese is a Catholic and I am a Muslim, but we share something in common. We have a very high regard and respect for Pope Leo,” he said at a joint press conference with Albanese.
Anwar said Malaysia shares the Pope’s desire for peace, justice and an end to atrocities.
“People across the world should unite in rejecting violence and injustice, particularly in conflict-affected regions such as Gaza and the Middle East,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the Pope’s efforts to engage leaders of different religions, including Muslim scholars, describing interfaith dialogue as essential in fostering mutual understanding and global stability.
Anwar also welcomed Australia’s stance in calling for an end to hostilities in Gaza and supporting humanitarian assistance, describing it as an important step towards a lasting resolution.
“I appreciate Australia’s stance on Gaza, calling for an end to hostilities, supporting humanitarian assistance and working towards a lasting resolution. That position matters, and Malaysia welcomes that,” he said.
Meanwhile, Albanese said Pope Leo would play a significant role not only within the Catholic church but also in shaping global discourse on peace and humanitarian values, continuing the legacy of interfaith engagement championed by his predecessor.
He said modern conflicts carry far-reaching consequences beyond national borders, affecting innocent lives and global economic stability, reinforcing the need for peaceful resolution through diplomacy.
“We will continue to argue for de-escalation and for a resolution through dialogue rather than through military action,” he said.
On April 12, Pope Leo demanded an end to fighting in a strongly worded call as talks are held amid a fragile ceasefire in the Iran-US-Israel conflict.
He also criticised the misuse of religion to justify violence and condemned the pursuit of power linked to violence.
