In a wide-ranging interview with Argentina's "Canal Orbe 21" television network, Pope Francis reflected on the challenges facing the modern world and the Church's evolving mission amid rising global tensions, inequality, and polarization. Conversing with journalist Maria Bernarda Llorente at his Vatican residence following the Synod of Bishops, Pope emphasized themes of peace, dialogue, and hope.
Describing war as “a human defeat,” Pope Francis condemned nations that advocate for peace while profiting from arms production. He lamented the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Holy Land, highlighting the devastating consequences of the arms trade.
“One of the greatest returns on investment in Europe comes from arms factories. So, we organize peace conferences and meetings, but we continue to produce weapons to kill,” he said, calling for authentic dialogue and reconciliation as the only paths to peace.
Drawing parallels to the biblical Tower of Babel, Pope Francis warned of humanity's tendency toward self-destruction. He emphasized the importance of personal ethics and collective responsibility in addressing the inefficacy of international mechanisms.
“Dialogue is crucial. If there is no dialogue, there will be no peace. We must stop attacking one another, stop destroying one another, and start engaging one another,” he urged, while also calling on institutions like the European Union to strengthen their commitment to fostering unity and peace.
Pope Francis denounced denialism as “poisonous” and urged leaders to confront the roots of conflicts with honesty. He also criticized the intertwining of religion and state politics, warning that such alliances often lead to intolerance and persecution.
Highlighting examples of coexistence, Pope praised Indonesia as a model of interreligious harmony. “There is coexistence, respect, and dialogue. Those countries are an example of coexistence,” he said.
Reflecting on the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis celebrated the Church's journey toward becoming more inclusive and participatory. He described the Synodal Church as one that thrives on harmony amidst chaos, guided by the Holy Spirit.
“The Church is no longer top-down,” he explained. “It is the Church from below that expresses itself and creates community.”
Pope reiterated the Church's openness to all, emphasizing the importance of communal discernment. “None of us in the Church are saints. We are all sinners, and the Church helps us make up for our shortcomings,” he said.
Under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” the Jubilee Year 2025 represents an opportunity for spiritual renewal, Pope Francis noted. He stressed the transformative power of forgiveness and encouraged individuals to embark on a personal journey of healing and reconciliation.
“To experience a Jubilee properly, it must come from within. It is a moment of forgiveness, joy, and reconstitution of so many personal and social things,” he said.
Pope Francis highlighted the importance of engaging young people by presenting them with meaningful challenges. He condemned widespread education budget cuts, calling them “a crime” and “a planned suicide for a country.”
“Education is food for the soul, mind, and spirit,” he said, emphasizing the need for universal access to quality education to shape future generations.
Looking ahead, Pope Francis envisioned a Church deeply rooted in dialogue and collaboration between clergy and laity. He expressed hope for a dynamic Church that continues to grow under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
When asked for a Christmas message for his native Argentina, Pope urged his compatriots to “keep fighting, defend yourselves from ideologies, and don’t let yourselves be fooled. Fight for your rights.”
In this candid interview, Pope Francis offered a message of hope, urging the global community to embrace dialogue, solidarity, and forgiveness as pathways to a more harmonious future.