US EditionPope Leo criticizes how countries are using force to assert their dominion amid 'zeal for war'
Pope Leo XIV denounces the erosion of international law and calls for multilateral dialogue to protect Venezuelan rights after U.S. military intervention, citing concern for human dignity.
- On Friday, Pope Leo XIV delivered an unusually sharp annual foreign policy address to the Vatican diplomatic corps in Vatican City, denouncing nations using military force to undermine the post‑World War II legal order.
- Amid rising conflicts, including Russia's war in Ukraine and the United States capturing Venezuela's leader on January 3, 2026, Pope Leo warned multilateral institutions are weakening and dialogue is replaced by force.
- In a 43-minute address largely in English, Pope Leo XIV condemned destruction of hospitals and essential infrastructure as violations before 184 ambassadors and reiterated support for a two-state solution amid West Bank violence.
- He urged an immediate ceasefire and dialogue motivated by a sincere search for peace, said the Holy See offers full support to peace initiatives, and appealed for respect of Venezuelans' rights.
- He flagged a broader danger that 'war is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading,' warning that this gravely threatens the rule of law and the AI-enabled weapons race.
139 Articles
139 Articles
Pope Leo XIV found surprisingly clear words in his first New Year's speech. Instead of talking about classical ecclesial themes, he spoke about Venezuela, among other things.
Five takeaways from Pope Leo’s first ‘state of the world’ address
Pope Leo XIV delivered his first annual address to the Vatican diplomatic corps on Jan. 9, setting out his diplomatic priorities for the year.The address, traditionally given at the start of the year, is often described as a papal “state of the world” speech. This year’s speech carried particular weight: it was Leo’s first opportunity to sketch his diplomatic priorities and to signal where he might be seeking continuity with or departure from Po…
Pope Leo warns ‘war is back in vogue,’ says ideology is warping communication and threatening conscience rights
In a sweeping address Jan. 9 to diplomats from around the world, Pope Leo XIV spoke out in defense of human dignity and life by condemning… The post Pope Leo warns ‘war is back in vogue,’ says ideology is warping communication and threatening conscience rights appeared first on CatholicVote org.
The United States and Venezuela were also represented at the Vatican speech.
Pope Leo Condemns ‘Diplomacy Based on Force’ as Trump Threatens Further Military Actions
Pope Leo XIV decried “diplomacy based on force” and a growing “zeal for war” in a Friday speech as Russia carries out fresh strikes in Ukraine and tensions rise between the U.S. and several nations around the world. “A diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus among all parties is being replaced by a diplomacy based on force, by either individuals or groups of allies. War is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading,” the Pope sai…
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