Pope Leo XIV has warned world leaders that “war is back in vogue,” urging nations to prioritise dialogue, diplomacy, and justice over the use of force. Addressing the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, the pontiff expressed concern over the rise of armed conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, and the erosion of trust in multilateral institutions.
He criticised the growing trend of unilateralism, saying that many states are bypassing international law in favour of narrow national interests. “Peace is no longer being built through justice, patience and mutual respect. Instead, it is increasingly sought through force, intimidation and the logic of domination,” Pope Leo XIV said.
Highlighting the human cost of conflict, the Pope warned, “When dialogue is abandoned, weapons speak. And when weapons speak, it is always the innocent who pay the highest price.”
He called on global leaders to embrace humility, recommit to multilateralism, and resolve disputes through dialogue and compromise. Pope Leo XIV stressed that lasting peace must be built patiently, through justice, listening, and cooperation, rather than imposed by force.
The address comes amid rising military spending, escalating tensions between global powers, and ongoing conflicts worldwide. Diplomats described the message as one of the strongest critiques yet by the pontiff on the state of contemporary global politics.
Concluding, Pope Leo XIV urged leaders to resist violence and choose peace, even when it is difficult, reaffirming the Vatican’s role as a moral voice advocating for restraint, dialogue, and global cooperation.
