Pope Leo decries European military spending as 'betrayal' of diplomacy
Yahoo • • world
Key Points:
- Pope Leo condemned the recent surge in European military spending, calling it a betrayal of diplomacy and criticizing it as rearmament that fuels tensions and undermines investment in education and health.
- European military expenditure rose 14% in 2025 to $864 billion, driven by the Russia-Ukraine war and NATO members' rearmament, partly influenced by U.S. pressure under President Donald Trump.
- The pope warned against labeling increased arms spending as "defense" and highlighted the negative impact of war and new technologies, including artificial intelligence, on global security and humanity.
- Speaking at Rome's Sapienza University, Pope Leo urged students to reject nationalism and ideologies that divide and to become advocates for true peace amid ongoing global conflicts.
- The remarks come amid heightened tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration, particularly over differing views on war and diplomacy.