Pontiff warns politicians against sliding into World War III

Pope Leo XIV. Photo: ilquadrantenews.it

On November 27, 2025, during a visit to Turkey, Pope Leo XIV urged international leaders not to allow the world to slide into a Third World War.

Upon arrival in Ankara, addressing the diplomatic corps, Pope Leo XIV immediately launched a strong appeal for a silence of arms, especially in the Middle East: "We are experiencing a period of intense global conflict, in which strategies of economic and military power prevail, fueling what Pope Francis called a third world war fought piecemeal. We must not give in to this trend under any circumstances! The future of humanity depends on it."

"Today more than ever there is a need for personalities who foster dialogue and practice it with firm will and patient tenacity. We must not succumb to the logic of economic and military strategies that lead to what Pope Francis called a gradual Third World War," said the Pontiff, addressing the authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps of Turkey.

He also expressed hope that Turkey as a country standing "at the crossroads of cultures and religions" could play the role of a mediator between nations at war.

The President of Turkey, in turn, noted the Vatican's consistent position on the Palestinian issue: "More than 70,000 Gaza residents have died in two years. We continue to witness the bombing of civilian targets – schools, temples, hospitals. Among them, the Catholic Church of the Holy Family was bombed. The Pope and his predecessors have always supported the Palestinian people, and we appreciate this."

Erdogan emphasized Turkey's role as a humanitarian and diplomatic mediator, from aiding refugees to participating in the grain deal and attempts to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine: "We should not taint the world with even a drop of blood. The Pope's calls for peace resonate with us."

The Pontiff concluded the day with another address to the international community: humanity stands on a dangerous edge, and politicians are required to exercise maximum responsibility to avoid a catastrophic scenario of global war.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Pope stated that the RCC recognizes the Creed without Filioque.

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