Pope Leo XIV Reaffirms Peace Message and Condemns War During Return Flight After Africa Visit
Pope Leo XIV has reiterated his strong opposition to war, stating that as a pastor he cannot support conflict that results in the loss of innocent lives. His remarks were made during the return flight to Rome following the conclusion of his Apostolic Journey across four African nations. Speaking to journalists aboard the papal flight from Malabo, the final stop of his visit, the Pope reflected on his mission to proclaim the Gospel while addressing global issues including war, migration, justice, and human dignity. His comments emphasized a consistent message of peace and pastoral care throughout his international trip.
During the in flight press interaction, Pope Leo XIV responded to questions from journalists about the broader purpose of his journey and the role of the Church in global affairs. He explained that the primary focus of his visit was not political commentary but the spiritual mission of meeting and accompanying communities of faith. He highlighted that the journey was intended to bring the message of the Gospel to people in their daily lives, while also acknowledging their joys, struggles, and suffering. The Pope emphasized that his role involves both spiritual guidance and encouragement for individuals and leaders to take responsibility for the common good.
The Pope also addressed ongoing international conflicts, including tensions involving Iran and Lebanon, and expressed deep concern over the impact of war on civilians, particularly children. He stated that too many innocent lives have been lost in conflicts around the world and reaffirmed his belief that peace must remain the central priority of international relations. His comments were framed within a broader call for respect for international law and the protection of human dignity, reinforcing the Vatican’s longstanding diplomatic stance on conflict resolution through dialogue rather than violence.
In addition to war related issues, Pope Leo XIV also touched on topics such as migration, the death penalty, and pastoral approaches to social inclusion. He reiterated the Church’s opposition to capital punishment and called for greater respect for human life at all stages. He also addressed sensitive pastoral matters, including questions raised about the blessing of homosexual couples, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between doctrine and pastoral care. His responses reflected an attempt to engage with complex modern issues while remaining rooted in traditional Church teachings.
The Pope further explained that his meetings with heads of state during the African tour included discussions on governance, justice, and the equitable distribution of resources. He noted that while political topics were discussed, the primary focus remained on meeting people and understanding their lived realities. He described the journey as both a spiritual mission and a human encounter, aimed at strengthening faith while encouraging leaders to consider policies that promote peace, fairness, and social development across their nations.
