Pope Says Arms Trade Being Prioritised Over 'respect For Human Life'

POMPEII, May 8 (Bernama-dpa) –  Leo XIV has called on the faithful to work for peace on the anniversary of his election as pope, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

"The wars that are still raging in many parts of the world call for a renewed commitment – not only in economic and political terms, but also in spiritual and religious terms. Peace begins in the heart," said the head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics during a sermon in Pompeii on Friday.

Emphasising the power of prayer, he said: "We cannot resign ourselves to the images of death that the news presents to us every day." 

To applause from the congregation, the Leo continued that "no earthly power will save the world, but only the divine power of love."

The pope said he has two particularly urgent concerns: the family, which is suffering from a weakening of the marital bond, and peace, which is being jeopardised "by international tensions and an economy that prioritises the arms trade over respect for human life."

Crowds lined the Pope’s route through the streets of Pompeii.

The Pontiff blessed children who were brought to him and greeted people in wheelchairs.

-- BERNAMA-dpa