Weapons Cannot Lead to Lasting Peace — Pope

Pope Leo XIV has called on world leaders to prioritise dialogue over rearmament, stressing that global peace must be treated as a “true moral imperative” rather than a political option. He made the statement while addressing the Spanish parliament on Monday, where he warned that increasing reliance on weapons would not resolve global conflicts.

According to the Pope, while military force may create temporary calm in conflict situations, it cannot establish a “genuine and lasting peace” among nations. He urged governments, particularly in Europe and other regions facing rising tensions, to invest more in patient diplomatic engagement instead of expanding arsenals.

He emphasised that peace should be pursued through consistent negotiation and mutual understanding, noting that violence and arms buildup only delay deeper resolutions to global crises.