Speaking aboard his flight back to Rome, Pope Leo XIV said Russia and Ukraine should “sit down” for dialogue, calling today’s wars senseless and increasingly destructive to human life.
He tied that appeal to a broader attack on rearmament, saying billions of euros and dollars flowing to the military industry enrich a small number of people instead of addressing hunger, housing, health, education and unemployment.
Leo said the Church would keep pressing leaders to negotiate even if it cannot force them, framing that role as a defense of human dignity rather than a political intervention.
The remarks extended themes from his four-day France trip, where he had already warned Europe against a “frenzy of rearmament” and urged multilateralism and compromise.
Can Europe truly integrate millions of newcomers while simultaneously reclaiming the ancient Christian roots Pope Leo XIV claims are essential for survival?
Why is the Pope using a deeply secular France to warn that European civilization cannot sustain peace without its historic monastic heritage?
How will ancient monastic traditions help global leaders navigate the ethical minefields of artificial intelligence and modern crises the Pope is addressing?