Global Order at Risk: Pope warns war is gaining ground

Pope Leo XIV has issued a stark warning that the world is facing a dangerous resurgence of war, urging nations to return to diplomacy before military force becomes the default response to conflicts.

In his first address to the Diplomatic Corps since becoming the head of the Catholic Church last May, the pontiff said the principle established after the Second World War, that no country should use force to violate the sovereignty of others, is being undermined.

“War is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading,” Pope Leo XIV said. He criticized the growing reliance on military power over dialogue and multilateral cooperation, calling the trend a serious threat to international stability.

The Pope’s remarks come amid escalating global tensions, including US military operations in Venezuela, repeated strikes in various regions, and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and elsewhere. While he did not name specific nations, his speech highlighted the broader pattern of countries increasingly prioritizing force over negotiation.

Pope Leo XIV warned that such actions risk destabilizing the international order and eroding long-standing norms designed to protect human rights and sovereignty. He called on the global community to uphold dialogue, respect the will of nations, and safeguard the rights of all citizens.

Observers say the Pope’s message is a clear alert about the consequences of recent military interventions and the growing acceptance of armed action as a tool of statecraft. He urged leaders to consider the human and moral costs of escalating conflict, emphasizing that diplomacy must remain the first path in resolving disputes.

“Diplomacy based on dialogue is being replaced by a diplomacy based on force, by either individuals or groups of allies,” he said, underscoring the urgent need to reverse this dangerous trend.