Pope Leo XIV Urges Shift From Military Spending to Housing and Welfare

Pope Leo XIV has called for a reduction in global military spending, arguing that vast sums directed at armaments could instead address hunger, housing and unemployment. Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane, the pontiff said the Church's social doctrine rejects the promotion of violence, hatred and weapons, and warned of the dangers posed by leaders who have begun speaking again about nuclear arms.

He noted that the build-up of military industries has continued for decades, not merely in recent years, and questioned who benefits from it. According to the pope, a small number of people grow extremely wealthy from an industry that fuels war, while the same billions could help resolve pressing social problems. He described the search for an alternative path as widespread, saying that further spending on weapons only deepens tensions that could lead to another conflict.

Pope Leo XIV also criticised powers that seek to impose their will through force rather than dialogue and negotiation. He said the world is moving closer to one or several wars, and insisted that his message is not political but rooted in human dignity and the value of life. He called on leaders, including those of Russia and Ukraine, to sit down and seek ways of resolving disputes without continuing conflicts that, in his words, no longer make any sense.

Responding to a question about Spain's housing crisis, the pope said the Church and society at large must pursue fairer solutions so that such cases do not occur. He referred to the reported case of an elderly woman with a disability facing eviction, saying neighbours, the community, the parish, the diocese or the State should ask how such a situation could arise and what is wrong with a system that allows it.

He linked the issue to what the Church describes as a throwaway culture and to injustice, saying the housing problem facing many countries cannot be solved by a single parish, diocese or even the Church alone. Describing it as a major challenge, he urged political leaders and public authorities to find lasting solutions.