Pope carries image of slain Lebanese child as he denounces war on flight from Africa

 Opening the customary in flight press conference, the Pope framed his entire journey with a pointed question: what is the Global North doing for the Global South? The discussion quickly shifted to rising international tensions, including the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, instability in the Middle East and developments in Iran. In this context, Pope Leo XIV reiterated his firm stance: “I cannot accept war, there are too many innocent victims.”

Without naming him directly, the Pope appeared to criticise interventionist approaches associated with Donald Trump. For Leo XIV, the key issue is not whether regimes change, but how fundamental values can be upheld without sacrificing innocent lives. Dialogue, he stressed, must remain the only path, even when it is long and difficult, in full respect of international law.

 

The Pope returned repeatedly to the suffering of civilians, particularly children affected by conflicts in Iran and Lebanon. He shared a deeply personal story, revealing that he carries with him the photograph of a Muslim child he met in Beirut during a visit last December. The child had welcomed him in the streets of a southern suburb of the city with a sign of greeting, but was later killed, a story the Pope described as emblematic of the tragedy of war. “I carry that child with me,” he said. “It is a sign of what war destroys.”

When asked about recent executions in Iran, Pope Leo XIV reiterated that the protection of innocent life must come first. While acknowledging the complexity of political systems, he condemned “all unjust actions”. “Human life must be respected,” he said, adding that life “from conception to natural death” must be protected. Any regime or state that unjustly takes life, he argued, must be condemned.

 

Turning to migration, the Pope linked the issue directly to global inequality, criticising the exploitation of Africa’s resources by wealthier nations and urging greater investment in local development so that people are not forced to leave their homes. At the same time, he emphasised that migrants are first and foremost human beings and must be treated with dignity, even when states impose limits on entry.

 

On the sensitive issue of blessings for same sex couples, the Pope confirmed the Vatican’s current line: no formal blessings, but full pastoral welcome for gay individuals, an approach closely aligned with that of Pope Francis and his oft repeated call for inclusion: “everyone, everyone, everyone”.

 

Overall, the message was consistent: peace, dialogue, justice among nations and respect for human dignity remain the only credible alternative to violence and division. Upon landing in Rome, the Pope received a message of welcome from Sergio Mattarella, who thanked him on behalf of the Italian people for his “profound message of peace, hope and fraternity” and for reminding the international community of its duty to pursue dialogue with determination.

 

PS