Pope Francis has expressed strong disapproval of the increasing military expenditures in Europe, labeling them a “betrayal of diplomacy” rather than legitimate defense spending. His remarks came during a speech at Sapienza University in Rome, the largest higher education institution in Europe.
According to Reuters, European defense spending saw its most significant rise since the end of the Cold War last year. The Pope emphasized that this rearmament escalates tensions and undermines trust in diplomatic efforts, diverting funds from essential services like education and healthcare.
“Let us not call rearmament, which heightens tension and danger, ‘defense.’ It betrays trust in diplomacy and enriches elites indifferent to the common good,” the pontiff stated.
Additionally, Pope Francis warned against the use of artificial intelligence in warfare, pointing to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran as examples of the inhumane evolution of warfare intertwined with new technologies, leading to a cycle of destruction.
His comments come in the wake of criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously condemned the Pope’s views on the situation in Iran, suggesting that the pontiff’s stance could endanger many Catholics.
Pope Francis has criticized the surge in military spending across Europe, calling it a betrayal of diplomatic efforts. He also raised concerns about the implications of artificial intelligence in warfare, linking it to ongoing global conflicts.
Source: Reuters