Pope condemns growing use of force in global affairs
Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong warning on Friday against the increasing reliance on military force by states to impose their influence, arguing that such actions are eroding global peace and weakening the international legal framework established after World War II.
Speaking to ambassadors accredited to the Holy See during his annual address to the Vatican’s diplomatic corps, the pontiff said the world is witnessing a renewed enthusiasm for war, with conflicts becoming an accepted instrument of policy. He stressed that the growing use of force undermines efforts to resolve disputes through dialogue and cooperation.
Although the pope avoided naming specific countries, his remarks came at a time marked by several major international crises, including ongoing wars and military interventions that have raised concerns about respect for national sovereignty.
In his first major foreign policy speech, Pope Leo XIV—history’s first pope from the United States—went beyond the traditional review of global conflict zones. He expressed concern about threats to religious freedom, reiterated the Catholic Church’s positions on key ethical issues, and warned that multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, are facing increasing pressure and loss of credibility.
The pope called for renewed commitment to diplomacy and international cooperation, urging nations to prioritize peace, respect for international law, and the protection of human dignity in global affairs.
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