In a sobering and historic address, Pope Leo has issued a grave warning that the world is already embroiled in a third world war, with the very future of humanity hanging in the balance.
A Grave Warning from Turkey
During his first major overseas speech since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church in May, the American pontiff did not mince his words. Speaking to political leaders in Turkey, he declared that 'ambitions and choices that trample on justice and peace' are plunging the globe into chaos.
He pointed to a 'heightened level of conflict on the global level', which he stated is being fuelled by prevailing strategies centred on economic and military power. 'We must in no way give in to this,' he pleaded at an event with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, following a private meeting between the two. He somberly added, 'The future of humanity is at stake.'
The Global Landscape of Conflict
This dire assessment is backed by global monitoring. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, active conflicts are currently reported across the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Pope's warning comes amidst several major international crises, which he implicitly referenced. These include:
- Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, where airstrikes have continued despite a ceasefire being reached in October.
- Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
- The devastating civil war in Sudan.
Earlier, while speaking to journalists aboard the papal flight from Rome to Ankara, Pope Leo revealed that the central aim of his inaugural foreign trip was to be a messenger for peace. He expressed his desire to 'urge peace for the world' and to encourage people from all walks of life to coexist harmoniously.
A Pilgrimage for Peace
'We hope to… announce, transmit, proclaim how important peace is throughout the world,' the 70-year-old Pope stated at the beginning of the three-hour flight. He further emphasised his goal to 'invite all people to come together, to search for greater unity, greater harmony.'
Pope Leo, who is reported to be in good health, has a packed six-day itinerary. His visit to Turkey includes a significant symbolic gesture: a visit to Istanbul's Blue Mosque, marking his first visit as Pope to a Muslim place of worship. He will also celebrate a Catholic Mass at the city's Volkswagen Arena.
The theme of peace is set to continue as the Pope travels to Lebanon on Sunday. The nation, which hosts the largest share of Christians in the Middle East, has been severely impacted by the spillover from the Gaza conflict. The recent war between Israel and Hezbollah, culminating in a devastating Israeli offensive, has further destabilised a country already struggling with an economic crisis and hosting over 1 million Syrian and Palestinian refugees.
Lebanese leaders are hopeful that the papal visit will draw much-needed global attention to their precarious situation and the fear of a dramatic escalation in conflict in the coming months.
