Pope Calls for Peace in Address to Spanish Parliament: "Weapons Cannot Achieve Peace"

Pope Leo XIV expressed concern over international conflicts, the trend of rearmament, and discrimination against migrants during his address to the Spanish Parliament on June 8 (local time), urging for the pursuit of peace.

According to reports from AP, AFP, and the Spanish daily El País, the Pope, who is on the third day of his visit to Spain, pointed out in his speech at the Spanish Parliament in Madrid that the world is in a crisis marked by violence, polarization, and mutual distrust.

Having previously faced criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump for his stance on war, the Pope once again raised his voice against conflict during his address.

"Peace requires diplomatic courage, ethical responsibility, and a vision for the future," the Pope said. "It is based on the responsibility of each nation to respect the identity of all people and to resolve conflicts through the peaceful means provided by international law."

He continued, "I am concerned that rearmament is being presented as an almost inevitable response to international instability. Weapons may bring a temporary silence, but they can never achieve true and lasting peace."

He emphasized, "True security comes from justice, patient dialogue, respect for international law, and policies that prioritize human lives over profits gained from war."

Regarding the military use of artificial intelligence (AI), the Pope clearly stated his opposition, asserting that matters of life and death should never be left to automated systems.

"The moral greatness of a nation is revealed in its ability to protect and cherish the most vulnerable lives," the Pope noted. "If a person is discriminated against because of their origin, it violates the principle that all human beings are equal in dignity."

He further urged, "The tragedy of migration challenges the conscience of nations and the ethical foundations of the international order. We must provide safe and legal pathways, respectful hospitality, and opportunities for practical integration, while also promoting the right of people to remain in their own countries."

The Spanish government, led by center-left Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, maintains a more generous immigration policy than its European allies and is under pressure from the main opposition People's Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party.

The Pope's visit to Spain, which continues until June 12, will conclude in the Canary Islands.

This region serves as a major gateway for migrants crossing the sea from Africa to enter Europe, and the Pope is scheduled to hold a memorial for those who died at sea.

The Pope received a seven-minute standing ovation from Spanish lawmakers, with shouts of "Long live the Pope" heard throughout the chamber.

This marks the first time a Pope has addressed the Spanish Parliament.

It is rare for a Pope to deliver an address to a foreign parliament.

His predecessor, Pope Francis, addressed the U.S. Congress in 2015, and Pope Benedict XVI spoke before the German Parliament in 2011.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.