Pope Leo XIV has addressed both the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and rising NATO-Russia tensions.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV dismissed Russian claims that NATO is waging war against Moscow, warning that tensions in the region are rising after Poland reported violations of its airspace.
“NATO has not started any war,” the Pope said.
“The Poles are worried because they feel their airspace has been violated; it is a very tense situation.”
The pontiff also voiced alarm over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, saying he had spoken by phone with Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza, where 450 people are sheltering amid Israel’s ground offensive.
“Many have nowhere to go, and so it is a concern… for now they want to stay, but we really need to look for another solution,” he said.
The Pope’s remarks came as he greeted crowds marking his birthday with Polish pilgrims offering flowers before his departure.
Also Read: Details of Pope Leo XIV’s Phone Call with Putin
This comes after Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the breach of national airspace by Russia, after 19 violations were recorded on September 10, 2025.
“There is no reason today to claim that we are in a state of war, but this provocation clearly exceeds anything we have faced before and poses a far greater danger from Poland’s perspective than earlier incidents,” Tusk said.
The Polish military confirmed that three Russian drones were shot down, with the final interception taking place at 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday.
Also Read: Israel Strikes Gaza City as Military Warns of New Offensive
Pope Leo XIV Takes on Israel-Ukraine War
Earlier, Pope Leo XIV renewed his appeal for peace, urging people not to “get used to war” as conflicts continue to devastate parts of the world.
The pontiff said the Church is brokenhearted at the cry of pain rising from places devastated by war, highlighting the suffering in Ukraine, Iran, Israel, and Gaza.
“We must not get used to war!” he exclaimed from St. Peter’s Square, stressing that reliance on “powerful and sophisticated weapons” must be rejected. Citing the Second Vatican Council, he warned that modern warfare risks “barbarities far surpassing those of former ages.”
“In the name of human dignity and international law, I reiterate to those in positions of responsibility the frequent warning of Pope Francis: ‘War is always a defeat!’” the Pope said, also recalling the words of Pope Pius XII: “Nothing is lost in peace. Everything may be lost in war.”
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
