Pope Leo XIV Criticizes War Spending Amid U.S.-Israel-Iran Tensions; Trump Announces Israel-Lebanon Talks

Pope Leo XIV Denounces War and Tyranny

in Africa Pope Leo XIV delivered a speech in Cameroon condemning world leaders who spend billions on war while neglecting resources for healing and education.

He described the world as being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants” but held out hope in the support of many others. The pope criticized those who manipulate religion to justify violence and called for peace, dialogue, and multilateralism among states. S.

-Israel conflict involving Iran. The pope emphasized that his role is not political but pastoral, focusing on promoting peace rather than engaging in political debate.

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S. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement clarifying the pope’s reference to the Catholic Church’s just war theory, which permits war only in self-defense after all peace efforts have failed.

S. political figure who challenged the pope’s moral framework for war, stating that the pope’s comments align with a millennium-old tradition. In a related development, the Trump administration ended funding for a Catholic charity in Miami that provides specialized services for unaccompanied immigrant children.

The charity stated the decision abruptly ended a 60-year relationship, forcing the program to shut down within three months. A federal spokesperson noted that the administration is consolidating unused facilities as part of efforts to reduce illegal entry and trafficking.

Archbishop of Canterbury Backs Pope’s

Call for Peace The Archbishop of Canterbury expressed solidarity with Pope Leo XIV’s call for peace in the Middle East.

She emphasized the human cost of war and urged political leaders to pursue peaceful and just conflict resolution. S. criticism of the pope but underscored the responsibility of all people of faith to work toward peace.

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S. S. President announced that Israeli and Lebanese leaders would hold direct talks, marking the first high-level meeting between the two countries in decades. The president described the talks as an effort to create “breathing room” between Israel and Lebanon amid ongoing regional tensions involving Iran.

S. president, who reiterated his commitment to meeting Lebanon’s request for a ceasefire. However, reports indicated that the Lebanese president would not speak directly to the Israeli prime minister.

The White House confirmed plans for further talks aimed at de-escalation. S. , Israel, Lebanon, and Iran. S. administration’s diplomatic initiatives highlight contrasting approaches to addressing war and peace in the region.