Pope Leo XIV Condemns European Military Buildup as Betrayal of Diplomacy
Pope Leo XIV has strongly criticized the surge in European military spending, labeling it a betrayal of diplomatic efforts and a driver of global insecurity. Speaking at Sapienza University in Rome, the Pontiff argued that this rearmament, which reached record levels in 2025, depletes resources from education and healthcare while enriching elites. He warned that the world is being maimed by wars and highlighted the dangerous integration of artificial intelligence in conflicts across Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. The Pope’s remarks come amidst heightened tensions with US President Donald Trump, who recently mocked Leo’s foreign policy stance after the Pontiff condemned threats against Iran. Although tensions eased following a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the backdrop remains contentious. European nations, pressured by Trump and citing Russian threats, have adopted higher NATO spending targets. Meanwhile, Moscow has dismissed these security concerns as propaganda. The Pope urges a return to diplomacy, cautioning that current militarization strategies undermine trust and escalate tensions rather than ensuring genuine defense or peace.
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