Pope Leo XIV links war and ecological degradation in new message

Pope Leo XIV has issued a message for the 11th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, scheduled for September 1, 2026. The Pontiff emphasizes the deep connection between armed conflict and environmental degradation, describing a “vicious cycle” where war destroys ecosystems, contaminates essential resources like air and water, and undermines food security.

In his message, themed “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks,” the Pope argues that war is not merely a political failure but a moral and spiritual one. He warns that the social and ecological destruction caused by conflict can persist for generations, fueling poverty, inequality, and further social tensions.

Leo XIV calls for an “authentic ecological conversion,” urging a shift from investing in weaponry toward human development, poverty alleviation, and the protection of human dignity. He suggests that true peace requires a renewal of the human heart, utilizing tools such as truth, dialogue, justice, and mercy rather than weapons of destruction.