In a stark address that resonated with current global crises, Pope Leo XIV on Friday issued a powerful warning against the rising trend of using force over dialogue in international relations. The pontiff's comments come against a backdrop of heightened tensions, directly following the United States' military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
A Grave Shift in Global Diplomacy
The first US-born pope, speaking to foreign diplomats at the Vatican, did not name specific nations but left little doubt about his concerns. "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," he stated. He lamented that "war is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading," marking a dangerous departure from post-World War II principles.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the foundational international principle prohibiting nations from using force to violate the borders of others had been "completely undermined." He argued that seeking peace through the accumulation of weapons as a means to assert dominance gravely threatens the rule of law, which is the bedrock of peaceful coexistence.
Weak Multilateralism and Violations of Law
The Pope highlighted the "weakness of multilateralism" as a particular international concern. He stressed the critical importance of adhering to international humanitarian law, a commitment made by states, which must always take precedence over the ambitions of those engaged in conflict.
"We cannot ignore that the destruction of hospitals, energy infrastructure, homes and places essential to daily life constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law," he added, underscoring the human cost of contemporary conflicts and military actions.
The Context: Venezuela Operation and Greenland Remarks
The Pope's urgent message follows significant geopolitical events. On January 3, US special forces conducted an operation to extricate Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their country. The couple was transported to New York City, where they now face serious charges related to drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.
Subsequently, US President Donald Trump has reignited controversy by threatening to "annex" Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory. This is not a new ambition for Trump, who has repeatedly discussed seizing it since returning to the White House in January of last year. These actions collectively paint a picture of the forceful diplomacy the Pope condemned.
Pope Leo XIV's address serves as a sobering reminder of the fragile state of global order. It calls for a renewed commitment to dialogue, the strengthening of multilateral institutions, and unwavering respect for international law to prevent a further descent into a world where might makes right.
