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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Nicole Winfield

Pope blasts how countries are using force to assert dominion in major foreign policy address

Vatican Pope - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

In his most substantial critique of U.S., Russian and other military incursions in sovereign countries, Pope Leo XIV on Friday denounced how nations were using force to assert their dominion worldwide, “completely undermining” peace and the post-World War II international legal order.

“War is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading,” Leo told ambassadors from around the world who represent their countries’ interests at the Holy See.

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