Pope Leo XIV has described war as a ‘painful defeat’ of negotiations during a historic speech at the Spanish parliament. His remarks come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, marking the worst strikes since the April truce.

Pope’s Call for Peace

Addressing politicians in the Cortes Generales, Pope Leo XIV stressed that ‘peace demands diplomatic courage, ethical responsibility’ and the resolution of disputes through international law. His speech, the first by a pontiff in the Spanish parliament, highlighted the profound spiritual and cultural crisis the world is facing, characterized by violence and polarization.

The pope’s address coincided with his meeting with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has opposed the United States and Israel’s involvement in the Iran conflict. Sánchez defended the pope when former US President Donald Trump criticized Leo XIV for his opposition to the war.

Human Dignity and Migration

Pope Leo XIV also addressed the issue of migration, emphasizing the ‘inviolable dignity’ of every person, including immigrants. He praised Spain’s historical role in developing the foundations of human rights and called for nations to uphold these principles.

The pope’s visit to Spain includes a trip to the Canary Islands to support immigrants, highlighting migration as a key theme of his visit. He urged political leaders to ‘disarm language’ and pursue a ‘moral renewal’ in the country, amidst Spain’s polarized political landscape.

The speech received sustained applause, reflecting the growing political polarization in Spain, where Sánchez’s government faces challenges, including rising popularity of the nationalist-populist party Vox.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.