US EditionPope Leo criticizes how countries are using force to assert their dominion amid 'zeal for war'
Pope Leo condemned the rise of force over dialogue in diplomacy, urging respect for international law amid conflicts in Venezuela, Ukraine, and the Holy Land, addressing 184 ambassadors.
- 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.
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The United States and Venezuela were also represented at the Vatican speech.
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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…
Pope Leo Condemns 'Diplomacy Based on Force'
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…
The Pope has criticized the use of military force to enforce state supremacy.
Pope Leo decries world's 'zeal for war' in fiery Vatican speech
Pope Leo decried the use of military force as a means of achieving diplomatic goals on Friday, delivering an unusually fiery annual foreign policy speech in which he also called for human rights to be protected in Venezuela.
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