Pope calls out "arrogance of occupiers" in Palestine, Ukraine

Pope Francis took a bold stand on Monday, decrying the “arrogance of occupiers” in both Ukraine and Palestine.

Speaking at the Vatican during an event marking 40 years since the Chile-Argentina peace treaty, the pontiff urged world leaders to embrace dialogue over violence.

In an unscripted address to diplomats and religious leaders, the Pope highlighted what he referred to as “two failures of humanity today.”

He stated, “In Ukraine and Palestine, the suffering is immense, and the arrogance of the occupier continues to block meaningful dialogue.” He also criticized the arms trade, condemning the “hypocrisy of preaching peace while fueling war.”

Pope Francis has regularly prayed for civilians caught in the Gaza aggression and the war in Ukraine.

The Pope’s critique intensified last week when excerpts from his upcoming book, Hope Never Disappoints: Pilgrims Towards a Better World, were published.

Read more: Pope: "Gaza may bear characteristics of genocide"

In the book, he suggested that the international community should examine whether Israel’s military actions in Gaza constitute genocide. “According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of genocide,” he wrote.