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Pope Leo XIV on Monday warned against the “illusion” that rearmament can provide an answer to war, while denouncing the “senseless slaughter” claiming civilian lives around the world.
“Today, sadly, war has returned, even to Europe: a new ‘senseless slaughter,’ claiming countless civilian lives every day,” the pope said at the Robert Schuman Conference Centre in Metz, France.
Pope calls for dialogue and compromise
He stressed the need for patient dialogue and negotiations, including a willingness “to give up some positions for the greater good of peace.”
Leo XIV said Europe’s pursuit of peace should not be confused “with a naive form of pacifism.” However, he added: “We must also guard against the illusion that rearmament is the answer.”
The pope’s remarks were reported by the source article.
Warning against preparations for future wars
Emphasising that peace-building is an active responsibility, he urged people to consider whether they were making “creative efforts” to promote peace around the world.
“We must also ask whether we are simply seeking to ‘stem the tide of war’ and better prepare ourselves for wars that we assume are still to come,” he said.
“Today, relations between individuals and States are becoming increasingly uncivilized. The value of keeping one’s word is dismissed; instead, people boast of lies and deceit,” Leo XIV said.
Europe urged to reject violence
He said Europe could help break this cycle, noting that the continent had shown over the years that different opinions, claims and interests could be expressed “through encounter rather than conflict.”
“Do not give in to the mentality of violence and oppression,” the pope added.
