Published 09/01/2026 14:51 | Edited 09/01/2026 15:04
In an annual speech on foreign policy marked by an exceptionally firm tone, Pope Leo XIV condemned this Friday (9) the use of military force as a means of achieving diplomatic objectives. In front of around 184 ambassadors accredited to the Holy See, the pontiff stated that the diplomacy of dialogue and consensus is being replaced by a “diplomacy of force”, a phenomenon that, according to him, rekindles practices outdated after the Second World War.
“War is back in fashion and a warlike fervor is spreading,” warned Leo XIV, criticizing the recurrence of unilateral military actions and the violation of sovereign borders.
Fragility of multilateralism worries the Vatican
The first pope of the United States, elected in May last year, Leo XIV pointed to the fragility of international organizations as one of the main factors of global instability. For the pontiff, the erosion of multilateralism compromises the rule of law and weakens the mechanisms created to preserve peace and human rights, with emphasis on the historic role of the United Nations.
He reiterated the Holy See’s condemnation of any involvement of civilians in military operations and defended unrestricted respect for international humanitarian law. Although he did not openly mention President Donald Trump, the American pope referred to military operations carried out by the US and condemned internationally.
Venezuela at the center of the humanitarian appeal
By directly referring to the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces, on orders from President Donald Trump, the Pope appealed to the international community to “respect the will of the Venezuelan people.” According to him, it is essential to safeguard the human and civil rights of the population and guarantee the country’s sovereignty in the political process that will follow.
The ambassadors of the United States and Venezuela to the Holy See were present at the audience, traditionally considered the pope’s speech on the “state of the world”.
Freedom of expression and religious discrimination
In the 43-minute speech, Leo XIV also warned of what he classified as a rapid shrinking of freedom of expression in Western countries. He criticized the emergence of an “Orwellian-style” language that, under the argument of inclusion, ends up excluding those who do not conform to certain ideologies.
The pope also denounced subtle forms of religious discrimination against Christians in Europe and the Americas, while reiterating his condemnation of anti-Semitism and the defense of freedom of conscience.
More inflamed tone marks the beginning of the pontificate
Although he adopted a more discreet stance in the first months of his pontificate, in contrast to the often improvised style of Pope Francis, Leo XIV struck a more forceful tone in this first audience with the Diplomatic Corps. In addition to armed conflicts, he criticized practices such as abortion, euthanasia and so-called surrogate pregnancy, and warned of the risks of the arms race, including the unregulated use of artificial intelligence.
In conclusion, the pontiff stated that, despite the international scenario marked by tensions and wars, peace remains possible, as long as it is sustained by humility, the courage of dialogue and the strengthening of multilateralism.
Source: vermelho.org.br
