Pope Leo XIV Calls for Aircraft to Serve Peace as He Prepares for African Journey
Pope Leo XIV has called for a renewed commitment to peace in global aviation, stating that aircraft should be used to connect people rather than spread fear and destruction. Speaking during a meeting with executives and staff from Italy’s national airline ITA Airways and representatives of the Lufthansa Group, the Pope expressed gratitude for their role in supporting papal travel. The meeting comes just weeks before his upcoming Apostolic Journey to several African nations, where he is expected to continue his message of dialogue and unity. The Pope used the occasion to reflect on the broader moral responsibility tied to modern transportation.
During his remarks, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the long standing collaboration between the Holy See and Italy’s national carriers, including the former Alitalia. He praised airline personnel for their professionalism and for creating a respectful and calm environment during papal flights. According to the Pope, these journeys are not only logistical operations but also symbolic expressions of the Church’s mission in the modern world. He noted that such flights often foster a sense of shared purpose among those onboard, including journalists and officials, reinforcing the idea that travel can serve as a platform for communication and understanding.
The Pope emphasized that his international visits are meant to act as bridges between cultures, describing his role as a messenger of peace who seeks to encourage dialogue and fraternity. He said that the routes taken during these journeys should reflect values of cooperation and mutual respect. In this context, aviation becomes more than a means of transport, representing a pathway for building connections across nations and communities. The Pope suggested that in a time of global tension, the symbolism of peaceful travel carries even greater importance.
At the same time, Pope Leo XIV expressed concern over the continued use of aircraft in armed conflicts, highlighting the contrast between their potential for unity and their role in warfare. He recalled the devastation caused by aerial bombardments in past conflicts and noted that such practices still persist today despite historical lessons. The Pope warned that technological advancement should not be directed toward destructive purposes, describing the use of modern innovation in warfare as a setback rather than genuine progress. His remarks pointed to the ethical questions surrounding how technological capabilities are applied in contemporary society.
Concluding his address, the Pope reiterated his appreciation for the airline staff supporting his mission and underlined the importance of maintaining a commitment to peace in all aspects of global engagement. He noted that in the current international environment, the need to promote peaceful connections is more urgent than ever. As preparations continue for his visit to Africa, his message highlights a broader vision of travel as a tool for unity and moral responsibility, reinforcing the role of institutions in shaping a more stable and cooperative global landscape.
