Pope Leo XIV Decries a Global 'Zeal for War' in Annual Address to Diplomats

In an annual address to the Vatican’s diplomatic corps on Friday, Pope Leo XIV condemned “a diplomacy based on force” and a spreading “zeal for war,” urging nations to commit to working together and to follow international law. The pope did not name world leaders, but his remarks were described as pointed given recent events, including the Trump administration’s military operation in Venezuela, threats against Greenland and a Russian attack on Ukraine with a nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile.

He urged states to work multilaterally and to rely on the United Nations to “play a key role in fostering dialogue and humanitarian support.” Leo warned that “the meaning of words is ever more fluid” and said language is increasingly used “to deceive, or to strike and offend opponents,” calling for clearer speech to restore authentic dialogue.

He appealed for an immediate cease-fire and dialogue over Ukraine, deplored civilian suffering there, repeated the Vatican’s call for a two-state solution regarding the West Bank and insisted on Palestinians’ right to “a future of lasting peace and justice.” He also said persecution of Christians affects about 380 million people and cited religiously motivated violence in countries including Bangladesh, Nigeria, the Sahel, Syria and Mozambique.

Key Topics

World, Pope Leo Xiv, Vatican City, United Nations, Ukraine, Venezuela