Pope Leo XIV has warned against what he described as the “illusion” that rearmament can provide an answer to the growing number of conflicts around the world, while condemning what he called the “senseless slaughter” of civilians.
The pontiff made the remarks Monday at the Robert Schuman Conference Centre in Metz, France, where he addressed issues surrounding peace, conflict and Europe’s role in promoting dialogue among nations.
“Today, sadly, war has returned, even to Europe: a new ‘senseless slaughter,’ claiming countless civilian lives every day,” Pope Leo XIV said.
He stressed the importance of sustained dialogue and negotiations in resolving conflicts, urging parties involved in disputes to demonstrate a willingness to compromise when necessary for the broader goal of peace.
According to the pope, achieving lasting peace requires patience and a readiness “to give up some positions for the greater good of peace.”
Warning Against the Illusion of Rearmament
Pope Leo XIV acknowledged that Europe’s pursuit of peace should not be mistaken for what he described as “a naive form of pacifism.”
However, he cautioned against relying on increased military preparedness as the principal response to international tensions.
“However, we must also guard against the illusion that rearmament is the answer,” he said.
The pope argued that promoting peace requires active efforts rather than simply preparing for the possibility of future conflicts.
He encouraged individuals and governments to examine whether they were genuinely making “creative efforts” to build peace or merely attempting to contain existing conflicts while preparing for wars that they expect could occur in the future.
“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.
Concerns Over International Relations
The pontiff also expressed concern about what he described as a deterioration in relations between individuals and states.
“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,” Pope Leo XIV said.
His remarks emphasized the importance of trust, commitments and dialogue in international relations, particularly at a time when conflicts and geopolitical tensions continue to affect different parts of the world.
The pope's appeal placed particular emphasis on the role Europe can play in demonstrating that political disagreements do not necessarily have to lead to confrontation.
Europe’s Experience With Dialogue
Pope Leo XIV pointed to Europe’s historical experience as an example of how countries with different interests and political positions can seek solutions through dialogue.
He said Europe had demonstrated over the years that different opinions, claims and interests could be addressed “through encounter rather than conflict.”
The pope therefore urged Europeans and the wider international community not to abandon dialogue in the face of political and security challenges.
“Do not give in to the mentality of violence and oppression,” he said.
His remarks come amid continuing international concerns over armed conflicts and their humanitarian consequences, particularly the loss of civilian lives.
Pope Leo XIV's message centered on the need for active peacebuilding, negotiations and diplomatic engagement, while recognizing that the pursuit of peace does not require ignoring legitimate security concerns.
His comments also highlighted the distinction between preparing for security challenges and assuming that increased military strength alone can prevent or resolve conflicts.
By calling for “creative efforts” for peace, the pontiff urged political leaders and societies to look beyond managing existing conflicts and to pursue diplomatic approaches capable of addressing the underlying causes of confrontation.
The pope's appeal ultimately placed dialogue, trust, compromise and peaceful engagement at the center of efforts to prevent further escalation and reduce the human cost of war.
