Pope Leo XIV Condemns Erosion of International Borders in Address to Diplomats

Pope Leo XIV addressed diplomats at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, expressing deep concern over the resurgence of military aggression and the erosion of international borders. He highlighted escalating tensions in regions such as the Caribbean Sea and the American Pacific coast, emphasizing the need to respect the will of the Venezuelan people and restore stability in the country.

The Pope stated that the principle established after World War II, which prohibits nations from using force to violate others' borders, has been completely undermined. He lamented the weakening of multilateralism and stressed the importance of international humanitarian law prevailing over the ambitions of belligerents.

This address follows the recent U.S. military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and ongoing conflicts such as Russia's war in Ukraine. Pope Leo XIV's remarks contrast with statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently expressed feeling constrained only by his own morality, dismissing international law and the post-World War II order.

In his speech, the Pope also condemned practices like abortion, surrogacy, and euthanasia, defending the right of conscientious objection by healthcare professionals. He warned against the rapid shrinking of freedom of expression in the West and the emergence of a new Orwellian-style language that excludes those who do not conform to prevailing ideologies.

Drawing parallels between the present day and the fifth century, Pope Leo XIV cited Saint Augustine's 'The City of God,' noting that society then, as now, was marked by migration, a shifting world order, and a change of era. He reiterated concerns about the treatment of migrants, cautioning governments against using the fight against criminality and human trafficking as a pretext for undermining the dignity of migrants and refugees.

This address marks Pope Leo XIV's first major foreign policy engagement, underscoring his concerns for peace, religious freedom, and moral ethics amidst escalating global tensions.