Leo urges direct peace talks Warns of arms profits

Sep 28

Weltwoche reports Pope Leo XIV urging Russia, Ukraine and other states to hold direct talks, with leaders seeking a way to end the Ukraine war. It also reports his warning about a worldwide arms race and his criticism that vast public and private spending benefits a small elite in the arms industry. Köppel calls this unusually open criticism of war-industry profits and argues that Western discussion normally ignores that perspective. His suggestion about who benefits remains attributed commentary.

During the September 28 return flight from France to Rome, Pope Leo XIV urges leaders of Russia, Ukraine and other states to engage in direct talks instead of continuing war. Weltwoche reports his warning about a global arms race and his criticism of the small elite benefiting from military-industry profits. Köppel welcomes that emphasis and argues that Western discourse neglects it. No peace agreement or commitment by the parties is reported.