Pope Leo XIV delivered a poignant address at the Spanish parliament, denouncing war as a ‘painful defeat’ of negotiations. His speech comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, marking the worst exchange of strikes since the April truce. The pontiff’s visit to Spain, the first by an American pope, underscores his commitment to peace and diplomacy.

Pope’s Call for Peace

Addressing politicians in the Cortes Generales, Pope Leo emphasized the need for ‘diplomatic courage’ and ‘ethical responsibility’ to resolve conflicts through international law. His remarks were made in the context of his meeting with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has opposed the United States and Israel’s involvement in the Iran conflict.

The pope’s message was clear: ‘Every war constitutes, ultimately, a painful defeat of the capacity to negotiate and also of that shared conscience of humanity that recognizes bonds of justice between nations.’ He highlighted the ‘profound spiritual and cultural crisis’ the world faces, characterized by violence and polarization.

Focus on Human Dignity and Migration

Pope Leo also addressed the issue of migration, stressing the ‘inviolable dignity’ of every person, including immigrants. He praised Spain’s historical contribution to human rights and called for a moral renewal in the face of political polarization. The pope plans to visit the Canary Islands to support immigrants entering Europe.

His speech was met with applause, reflecting the political tensions in Spain, where Sánchez’s government faces challenges and the nationalist-populist party Vox gains popularity. The pope’s call for disarming language and fostering political pluralism resonated in this polarized landscape.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.