Pope Leo warns UN and multilateral organizations face crisis of efficacy

Pope Leo warned during a visit to France that the United Nations and other multilateral organizations are facing a crisis of efficacy. Speaking at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the first American pope stated that international dialogue risks becoming a ‘farce’ rather than an opportunity to seek the common good.

The Pontiff criticized world leaders for failing to respect the rule of law, accusing those in power of invoking the law only when convenient and treating justice as a ‘commodity that can be bought and sold.’

These remarks coincide with a tense UN General Assembly in New York. The Pope's visit to France follows previous tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the war against Iran. The speech also comes amid significant diplomatic friction at the UN, including threats from President Trump regarding Iran and mass walkouts by delegates during a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.