Key facts
- Pope Leo warned Spain's parliament that escalating conflicts have pushed the world into a profound crisis.
- He urged politicians to end global wars and assist migrants, addressing root causes.
- The Pope expressed concern over increased European military spending and the ethical use of AI in warfare.
- Pope Leo met with six survivors of abuse by Catholic clergy in Spain.
- Survivor groups criticized the meeting, demanding greater accountability and support for victims.
Pope Leo has warned that escalating conflicts and a disregard for human rights have plunged the world into a profound crisis. During his visit to Spain, he addressed the nation's parliament, stating that "weapons can impose a temporary silence; but they can never build an authentic and lasting peace." He urged politicians to end global wars and assist migrants, advocating for solutions that address root causes such as poverty and climate change. The Pope also voiced concern over increased European military spending, calling it "troubling" and a potential betrayal of diplomacy, and urged "rigorous ethical vigilance" regarding the use of artificial intelligence in warfare. This address followed his earlier calls for global governments to slow AI development and his urging of Spain's Catholic bishops to address clergy abuse and offer reparations to survivors. Pope Leo met with six survivors of abuse by Catholic clergy, promising a safe space, though some survivor groups criticized the meeting as a "photo opportunity" and demanded greater accountability and support for victims. The Vatican stated the Pope listened to proposals for more effective Church safeguarding. Cardinal Jose Cobo noted the Pope's packed itinerary limited his ability to meet multiple survivor groups. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government has initiated a mass amnesty program for approximately 500,000 immigrants.