Pope Leo XIV delivered a long political speech before the world’s diplomats in which he addressed almost every topic, from morality to conflicts to religious persecution, as well as the current global situation. For example, he defended the right of the faithful to refuse military service.
POPE LEO XIV
This may be the refusal of military service in the name of non-violence, or the refusal on the part of doctors and healthcare professionals to engage in practices such as abortion or euthanasia. Conscientious objection is not rebellion, but an act of fidelity to oneself.
Later in his speech, Pope Leo touched on the topic of abortion and expressed his opposition to projects aimed at funding it.
POPE LEO XIV
The Holy See expresses deep concern about projects aimed at financing cross-border mobility for the purpose of accessing the so-called “right to safe abortion.” It also considers it deplorable that public resources are allocated to suppress life, rather than being in vested to support mothers and families.
Regarding the current international situation, the pope called for the renewal of the START treaty, which expires in February. START is an agreement between Russia and the United States to limit and reduce nuclear weapons arsenals.
Pope Leo also pointed out that multilateralism is increasingly in decline, and that this is a cause for concern, as the diplomacy of war and force continues to gain popularity.
POPE LEO XIV
A diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus among all parties is being replaced by a diplomacy based on force, by either individuals or groups of allies. War is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading. The principle established after the Second World War, which prohibited nations from using force to violate the borders of others, has been completely undermined.
Pope Leo XIV then went on to also review the ongoing conflicts throughout the world, speaking about the situation in Palestine, Myanmar, South Sudan and finally, the most recent developments in Venezuela.
