In a powerful appeal during his weekly General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV issued a strong condemnation of ongoing global conflicts, warning world leaders about the destructive nature of modern warfare and calling for a return to diplomatic solutions.
"The heart of the Church is rent asunder by the cries rising up from places of war," the Pope said, specifically mentioning Ukraine, Iran, Israel, and Gaza as major areas of concern in his address.
Warning Against Advanced Weapons
The Holy Father cautioned that the use of "scientific weapons of all kinds" – referring to advanced military technologies – threatens to push humanity "to a barbarism far greater than that of times past."
"We must never become accustomed to war," Pope Leo declared. "We must reject, as a temptation, the allure of powerful and sophisticated weapons."
Echoing the message of his predecessor Pope Francis, Leo XIV proclaimed, "War is always a defeat!" He also invoked the words of Pope Pius XII, who led the Church during World War II: "Nothing is lost with peace. Everything can be lost with war."
Timing Amid Escalating Tensions
The Pope's message comes at a critical time as tensions deepen between Israel and Iran, bloodshed continues in Gaza, and the war in Ukraine drags on – all contributing to growing fears of a broader regional or even global conflict.
In his closing remarks, Pope Leo made a heartfelt appeal: "In the name of human dignity and international law, I repeat to those responsible what Pope Francis used to say: 'War is always a defeat.' And with Pius XII, 'Nothing is lost with peace. Everything can be lost with war.'"
This statement follows reports that President Tinubu is scheduled to meet with Pope Leo XIV in Rome, highlighting the growing diplomatic efforts to address global conflicts.
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