Pope Francis urges wars be resolved as human conflicts, not beastly aggression

Pope Francis, referred to as XIV Leó, opened a two‑day Vatican consistory with a Mass on Friday. In his address he said the Creator gave humanity reason and will, so "conflicts must be solved as humans, not as beasts," adding that this applies even when an adversary possesses "hyper‑technological weapons."

He emphasized that war "is never worthy of a human being and never receives God's blessing." The Pope noted that many of the 179 cardinals attending the 241‑member assembly come from regions plagued by war, violence and religious polarization, and called for the Church to help its faithful pursue peace, the common good and synodality.

The speech also highlighted the broader agenda of the consistory, which includes reflecting on global events, promoting peace and supporting churches in troubled societies.