James O'Reilly
Expectations for this press conference were high. Pope Leo XIV has spoken on several occasions aboard the papal plane, but in this latest one he elaborated a bit more on certain issues.
At the center of current global debate is the conflict in Iran, which the Pope described as very complex. When asked whether he supports regime change and negotiations, he gave the following response:
POPE LEO XIV
The same negotiations they are trying to carry out… One day Iran says yes, the United States says no, and vice versa, and we don’t know where this is heading, which has once again created this chaotic situation, critical for the global economy. But there is also an entire population in Iran of innocent people who are suffering because of this war. As for whether there will be a regime change or not, it is not clear what the regime is at this moment.
Pope Leo seems to be following the situation closely. He told journalists that he had read some letters from families whose children died on the first day of the attack. He also shared a personal experience about his trip to Lebanon.
POPE LEO XIV
I carry with me a photo of a Muslim child who, during the visit to Lebanon, was there waiting with a sign that said “Welcome,” and then, in this latest phase of the war, he was killed.
As a Church, I say again, as a pastor, I cannot be in favor of war.
During this trip to Africa, the Pope also met with some of the most authoritarian leaders in the world, drawing criticism from various commentators. But Pope Leo explained how Vatican diplomacy—and the Pope’s own diplomacy—works in these cases.
POPE LEO XIV
It can be interpreted and has been interpreted by some as, 'Ah, the Pope or the Church is saying it’s okay that they live like that'. And others may say things differently.
And sometimes we have diplomatic relationships with countries that have authoritarian leaders. We have the opportunity to speak with them on a diplomatic level, on a formal level. We don't always make great proclamations—criticizing, judging, or condemning. But there’s an awful lot of work that goes on behind the scenes
Another major issue, which the pope will address on his upcoming trip to Spain, is immigration. Pope Leo pointed out that migration flows today have been moving northward, so he posed this question: what is the global North doing to help the South?
POPE LEO XIV
I believe a state has the right to set rules for its borders. I am not saying that everyone should enter in any way, without order, sometimes creating situations even more unjust in the place they arrive than those they left.
The other point I do want to make is that, in any case, they are human beings, and we must treat human beings in a humane way and not treat them worse—often worse—than household pets.
Regarding other travel destinations in the coming year, the pope left us with few hints. He said he would like to visit several countries in Latin America, but did not specify. For now, his next stop will be a local, pastoral visit in Italy. He will go to Pompeii and Naples on May 8, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of his election.
