Pope Leo XIV issued a strong call for peace this Wednesday, warning that the wars of the present, characterized by the use of increasingly powerful and sophisticated weapons, threaten to plunge humanity into an even more brutal barbarism than that experienced in past times.
Through his profile on X, the Supreme Pontiff expressed the deep concern of the Church regarding the numerous active armed conflicts in the world, particularly those taking place in Ukraine, Iran, Israel, and Gaza.
"The heart of the Church is torn by the cries that rise from the places at war," he wrote.
And he added firmly, "We must not grow accustomed to war! On the contrary, we must reject the allure of weapons as a temptation."
In another post made on the same day, León XIV denounced that current weapons — the result of unchecked scientific advances — are pushing the world towards a form of violence that is more brutal and dangerous than at any time in the past.
"The powerful weapons used in the current war threaten to lead us to a barbarism greater than that of past times," he warned.
The Pope made a direct appeal to the political and military leaders of the world, invoking the fundamental principles of human dignity and international law.
In his words, he reiterated a historic phrase from Pope Francis: “War is always a defeat!” He also recalled the prophetic call of Pius XII at the beginning of World War II: “Nothing is lost with peace, everything can be lost with war.”
The statements from the Pontiff come in a context of military escalation and severe geopolitical tensions, with latent nuclear threats, mass displacement of civilians, and a growing normalization of warlike language in the public sphere.
His message aims not only to warn but also to shake consciences in the face of a present that, according to his words, is rapidly moving away from brotherhood and respect for life.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Statements of Pope Leo XIV and His Stance on War
What message did Pope Leo XIV deliver regarding the current war?
Pope Leo XIV warned that the current wars, characterized by the use of sophisticated weapons, threaten to lead humanity to a barbarism greater than that of past times. He urged a rejection of the fascination with weapons and advocated for peace, citing human dignity and international law as the foundations for avoiding armed conflicts.
What is Pope Leo XIV's stance on the conflicts in Ukraine, Iran, Israel, and Gaza?
Pope Leo XIV expressed his deep concern for the conflicts in Ukraine, Iran, Israel, and Gaza. He emphasized that the Church is torn by the cries from these regions and reiterated that war is always a defeat. He called on world leaders to work towards genuine and lasting peace.
How does Pope Leo XIV plan to address the Vatican's role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine?
Pope Leo XIV is ready to host a new round of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican. This gesture reaffirms the Vatican's role as a mediator in international conflicts, aiming to facilitate a neutral environment that promotes dialogue and reconciliation.
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