Pope Leo Condemns ‘Diplomacy Based on Force’ as Trump Threatens Further Military Actions
The pontiff warned against a spreading "zeal for war" on Friday, as Trump threatens further military action following attacks on Venezuela.
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 said in his annual address to diplomatic corps to the Vatican. “This gravely threatens the rule of law, which is the foundation of all peaceful civil coexistence.”
The pontiff did not name any specific world leaders, but also called for the protection of Venezuelans’ rights, citing “recent developments.”
“I renew my appeal to respect the will of the Venezuelan people, and to safeguard the human and civil rights of all, ensuring a future of stability and concord,” he said.
The pontiff's comments follow the U.S. attacks on Venezuela and seizure of the country’s President Nicolas Maduro, along with President Donald Trump’s ensuing threats against countries including Colombia, Iran, and Mexico and the territory of Greenland.
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In the months since he was inaugurated, becoming the first pope from the U.S., Leo has repeatedly raised concerns about human rights around the globe and demonstrated a willingness to challenge Trump. The day after the operation to capture Maduro and Trump’s comment that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela, the Pope similarly urged the country’s sovereignty and the rights of its people be protected. He has also spoken in defense of migrants and rebuked the Trump Administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown. .
In his speech on Friday, viewed as an opportunity for the Pope to comment on the conditions of the world, Leo stressed the importance of “international humanitarian law” and warned against the “devastating effects of war,” including the destruction of hospitals, homes, and infrastructure.