Pope Leo has issued a powerful condemnation of war, calling for a permanent ban on aerial bombings and emphasizing that airplanes should always serve as "carriers of peace." The pontiff made these remarks during a meeting with staff from ITA Airways and Lufthansa at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City on Monday.
Advocating for Peaceful Skies
In his address, Pope Leo stressed that no one should live in fear of threats from the sky. "Airplanes should always be carriers of peace, never of war. No one should be afraid that threats of death and destruction might come from the sky," he declared. While he did not specifically mention the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran, his comments come amid heightened global tensions.
Historical Context and Technological Concerns
The pope reflected on the tragedies of the 20th century, arguing that aerial bombings should have been outlawed forever. "After the tragic experiences of the 20th century, aerial bombings should have been banned for ever. Instead, they still exist, and technological development, positive in itself, is being placed at the service of war. This is not progress, it is regression," he stated, highlighting the misuse of advancements for destructive purposes.
Renewed Calls for Ceasefire
Pope Leo's criticism of war was even more pointed during his weekly Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square on Sunday. He described the death and suffering caused by conflicts as a "scandal to the whole human family" and expressed dismay over the current situation. "We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, the defenceless victims of these conflicts. What hurts them hurts the whole of humanity," he emphasized.
Appeal for Prayer and Peace
The pontiff renewed his appeal for a ceasefire, urging perseverance in prayer to end hostilities. "I strongly renew my appeal for us to persevere in prayer, so that hostilities may cease and the way may finally be paved for peace," he said, reinforcing his commitment to diplomatic and spiritual resolutions.
Cautious Engagement with Global Politics
Since his election in May last year following the death of Pope Francis, Pope Leo has adopted a cautious approach in engaging with figures like Donald Trump. Instead, he has relied on his college of cardinals to voice direct criticisms. For instance, Cardinal Domenico Battaglia recently addressed an open letter to "the merchants of death" profiting from weapons sales, while Cardinal Robert McElroy stated that the conflict "fails to meet the just war threshold for a morally legitimate war."
Pope Leo's statements underscore a broader Vatican stance against militarization and a fervent advocacy for peace, positioning the Catholic Church as a vocal opponent of warfare in an increasingly turbulent global landscape.
