Pope Leo XIV delivered a comprehensive political address to Spain’s parliament on Monday, warning that intensifying conflicts, deep political divisions, and widespread human rights violations have plunged the world into a severe crisis.
The pontiff, who has increasingly taken a firm stance on global political matters, reiterated his strong opposition to the rising military spending across Europe.
He urged political leaders to redirect their focus toward peace initiatives, halting active wars, and expanding support for migrants and vulnerable communities.
”The world is undergoing a profound spiritual and cultural crisis, which is manifested in multiple forms of violence, polarization, and mutual distrust,” the pope said.
His address coincided with a resurgence of hostilities between two nations that resumed military attacks against each other on Monday, severely threatening a fragile two-month ceasefire agreement.
Emphasizing that military actions cannot resolve deep-rooted conflicts, the pope advocated for enduring peace achieved through dialogue and international cooperation.
”Weapons can impose a temporary silence; but they can never build an authentic and lasting peace,” he said.
Beyond international diplomacy, Pope Leo XIV also held a private meeting with six survivors of clerical sexual abuse. Speaking with bishops later, he stressed that providing proper compensation and holistic support to victims is essential to restoring faith in the Church.
The clerical abuse scandal has severely damaged the Catholic Church’s credibility in Spain. A landmark 2023 report by the country’s human rights ombudsman estimated that hundreds of thousands of people may have been abused by clergy members over the span of several decades.
The pontiff’s address highlighted a dual call for global peace and institutional accountability, challenging both political and religious leaders to confront modern crises with transparency, empathy, and decisive action.