Pope Leo XIV Warns 'War Is Back in Vogue' Amid Global Order Erosion

• Pope Leo XIV delivered his first major 'state of the world' address, warning that the post-WWII principle against border violations has been 'completely undermined'.
• He noted 'escalating tensions' in the Caribbean Sea and American Pacific coast, urging respect for the Venezuelan people's will and stability in Venezuela.
• The Pope's remarks followed the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, contrasting with US President Donald Trump's dismissal of international law.
• Leo lamented weakening multilateralism, stressing international humanitarian law must 'always prevail' and warned against force replacing diplomacy.
• He also condemned abortion, surrogacy, euthanasia, defended conscientious objection, and cautioned against shrinking freedom of expression in the West.

Why It Matters: Pope Leo XIV warns of a return to war and erosion of global order, urging respect for international law.