Pope Leo Urges Diplomacy in Middle East Conflicts During France Visit

During his visit to France, Pope Leo XIV urged European leaders to counter war and domination through dialogue, negotiation and compromise, amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Speaking in Metz, he called on Europe to draw on its Christian heritage and the European Union’s principles of peace, equality and the rule of law, and condemned nationalism and military spending, saying resources for weapons could meet human needs. He also presented welcoming migrants and marginalized people as part of Europe’s responsibility. Addressing suffering in the Middle East, including conflicts involving Iran and Lebanon, Leo called for dialogue and diplomacy and urged a ban on nuclear weapons and reductions in stockpiles, warning that nuclear deterrence fuels an arms race; his appeal contrasted with French President Emmanuel Macron’s pledge to expand France’s arsenal. Leo also called for ethical oversight of artificial intelligence and other technologies to protect human dignity and responsibility.