TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pope Leo XIV is calling for the world not to become accustomed to war, as it is a sign of defeat. The call was made during his weekly public audience in the Vatican on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
"The heart of the Church is rent asunder by the cries rising up from places of war, especially Ukraine, Iran, Israel and Gaza," the Holy Father said.
"We must not become accustomed to war! We must reject the allure of powerful and sophisticated armaments," the American pontiff added.
Underscoring the increased destructive capabilities of modern weaponry, the Pope expressed concern, stating, "The use of scientific weapons of all kinds in modern warfare risks leading combatants to barbarism far greater than that of times past."
"War is always a defeat!" Pope Leo XIV quoted his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Pope Leo XIV's call responds to the current global situation characterized by ongoing warfare and armed conflicts.
At least 55,637 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's genocidal aggression in the Gaza Strip since October 2023. Since June 13, Israel has also launched a large-scale attack on Iran, targeting nuclear facilities in several Iranian cities and high military command centers.
Iranian media reported that as of Wednesday, the number of casualties from Israeli airstrikes in Tehran and other areas had reached 585 people. Meanwhile, 1,326 others have been injured as a result of the attacks.
In response to Israel's attacks, the Iranian military launched ballistic missiles at Israel, resulting in 24 deaths and 500 injuries.
Meanwhile, the Russia-Ukraine war has yet to reach a conclusion, with many lives lost on both sides.
Editor’s Choice: Pope Leo XIV on Gaza: Allow Entry of Humanitarian Aid, End Hostilities
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