Pope Leo XIV called on the United States and Iran to resume negotiations to end the conflict, he said during a news conference on Thursday after returning from Africa. He also emphasized that while countries have the right to protect their borders, migrants should be treated with dignity and not inhumanely, as reported by the AP.
On migration and states’ rights
Leo affirmed the right of countries to establish immigration controls at their borders and acknowledged that uncontrolled migration has created situations “that are sometimes more unjust in the place where they arrive than where they left”.
Read also | ‘Remarks clearly in poor taste’: India after Trump’s ‘hellhole’.
“I personally believe that a state has the right to set the rules for its borders,” he said. “But in saying that, I’m asking, ‘What are we doing in the richer countries to change the situation in the poorer countries’ to provide opportunities so that people are not forced to leave?”
Regardless, he said migrants are human beings and deserve to be respected in their human dignity and not treated “worse than pets, animals”.
What did the Pope say about the war in Iran?
After a back-and-forth between Leo and U.S. President Donald Trump over the war, which has been dominated by large audiences, Leo has urged the United States and Iran to return to negotiations.
He called for a new “culture of peace” to replace resorting to violence whenever conflicts arise.
Read also | India strongly advises citizens not to travel to Iran by air or land
He said the question is not whether the Iranian regime should change or not. “The question should be how do we uphold the values we believe in without so many innocents dying.” He said the question is not whether the Iranian regime should change or not. “The question should be how do we uphold the values we believe in without so many innocents dying.”
He revealed that he was carrying a photo of a Muslim Lebanese boy who was killed in Israel’s recent war with Hezbollah. The boy was photographed holding a sign welcoming the Pope when he visited Lebanon last year.
“As a pastor, I cannot be for war,” he told reporters aboard his plane. “I would encourage everyone to find answers that come from a culture of peace and not hatred and division.”
The Pope who sees to it that he is covered
The first pope from the United States showed a strong awareness of how his visit to Africa was covered and interpreted, including reactions to his relatively restrained public remarks toward African leaders facing accusations of corruption or authoritarian rule.
Pope Leo XIV, with a few exceptions, maintained a largely diplomatic tone in his comments, opting for encouragement and subtle messages rather than direct or attention-grabbing criticism.
Read also | Pope Leo says world ‘ravaged by handful of tyrants’ after clash with Trump
He also allowed some of the circumstances of his visit to speak louder than his words: a choreographed song and dance routine by prisoners in a country known for gross human rights abuses, or the extravagant luxury of the president’s hometown in a country where more than half the population lives in poverty.
Leo insisted that his main reason for visiting Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea was to be a pastor, to accompany his flock in their faith.
Migrants are human beings and deserve to be respected in their human dignity and not treated “worse than pets, animals”.
He added that the Holy See can sometimes achieve more behind the scenes through its diplomatic work, including the release of political prisoners, than with “big proclamations that criticize, condemn or condemn”.
(With input from agencies)
Key things
- Pope Leo XIV advocates the humane treatment of migrants and emphasizes their dignity.
- It recognizes the right of nations to control borders while emphasizing the need for humanitarian considerations.
- The Pope calls for diplomatic efforts in military actions and promotes a culture of peace.
