Vatican City: In a recent interview with Argentina’s Canal Orbe 21, Pope Francis shared his reflections on the challenges facing the world today and the evolving mission of the Church amidst global tensions and rising inequality. Speaking with journalist Maria Bernarda Llorente at his Vatican residence shortly after the conclusion of the Synod, the Pope condemned the “hypocrisy” of advocating for peace while simultaneously fueling conflicts. He also expressed concern over the erosion of key institutions. The conversation covered a broad range of topics, from the world's most pressing issues to the Pope’s vision of a more synodal Church, with the theme of "Hope" central to the upcoming Jubilee Year.

War: A "Human Defeat" Requiring Immediate Action

Pope Francis has long described war as "a human defeat" and decried the hypocrisy of nations that promote peace while benefiting from the arms trade. He lamented the increasing number of conflicts, particularly the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Holy Land, and reiterated his belief that true peace can only be attained through genuine dialogue and reconciliation.

"I am concerned that countless calls for peace from international organizations go in one ear and out the other," he said, criticizing what he called a "fundamental hypocrisy" — nations talking about peace while continuing to arm themselves for war. He also highlighted the troubling reality that "one of the greatest returns on investment in Europe comes from arms factories," while peace conferences and discussions are held without addressing the root causes of violence.

Humanity's Self-Destructive Path

Warning of a universal tendency toward self-destruction, the Pope compared today's world to the biblical Tower of Babel, suggesting that humanity is on a perilous path to creating a fragile and unstable future. "The war in the Holy Land is not a normal war," he observed, calling it a horrific conflict. Regarding the war in Ukraine, he reiterated his view that peace treaties are urgently needed but expressed frustration at the lack of concrete action, noting that discussions about peace often become bogged down in complexity.

He also pointed out that modern conflicts are rooted in a failure of personal ethics and the pursuit of self-serving interests, which weakens international mechanisms for peace. "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 each other," he stressed, also calling on the European Union to maintain its independent role in promoting peace.

Combating Polarization and Extremism

In today’s polarized world, Pope Francis called for a renewed focus on truth and dialogue, warning against the dangers of denialism. “Denialism is always poisonous,” he said. “When one denies reality, history, or a concrete situation, one is shooting oneself in the foot." He argued that only an honest engagement with reality could pave the way to resolving conflicts. The Pope also spoke against the harmful intersection of religion and state politics, noting that such alliances often lead to intolerance and persecution.

However, he also highlighted positive examples of coexistence, such as his experience in Indonesia, where he witnessed respect and dialogue between different religious groups. "I did not find religious persecution of Christians anywhere," he noted. "There is coexistence, and those countries are an example of how different religions can live in harmony."

A Synodal Church: Fostering Unity Through Diversity

Reflecting on the recent Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis emphasized the significance of this milestone in his papacy. “The Church is no longer top-down," he explained. "It is no longer just the bishops, the Pope, the priests, and the nuns; it is the Church from below, expressing itself and creating community.” He described the Synodal Church as one that thrives on harmony amidst chaos, guided by the Holy Spirit. "Let us think about what happened on Pentecost: a barbaric chaos, but in the midst of that chaos, the Holy Spirit created harmony," he said.


The Pope also reiterated the Church’s openness to all, emphasizing that “none of us in the Church are saints. We are all sinners, and the Church helps us make up for our shortcomings.” His message was clear: the Church is a place of healing and inclusion for all.

Forgiveness at the Heart of the 2025 Jubilee

Looking ahead to the 2025 Jubilee Year, Pope Francis spoke about the transformative power of forgiveness. Under the theme "Pilgrims of Hope," the Jubilee represents an opportunity for both personal and communal renewal. “God never tires of forgiving; it is we who tire of asking for forgiveness,” he said. The Jubilee, he stressed, is not about “religious tourism” but about a deeply personal journey of healing. "To experience a Jubilee properly, it must come from within. In some way, it must help you sort out your personal history," he added, emphasizing that it is a time for forgiveness, joy, and reconciliation.

Engaging Young People

Pope Francis also highlighted the importance of engaging young people, encouraging them to be creative and challenged in their faith journeys. He recalled how acts of charity, such as feeding the homeless, have inspired young volunteers to deepen their faith. "Give young people a challenge, and that’s how they’ll grow. If you don’t challenge them, they’ll just orbit around nonsense," he said.

On the topic of artificial intelligence, the Pope described it as both a fascinating and powerful tool, but cautioned that it must be integrated with human values. “We must engage in humane dialogue with artificial intelligence,” he stressed, acknowledging the challenges it presents for the modern world.

Christianity: Not an Ideology

Addressing the social and cultural challenges faced by today’s youth, Pope Francis warned against the influence of rigid ideologies that can distort a person’s capacity for love and relationships. He also condemned widespread cuts to education, calling them “a planned suicide for a country.” “Education is food... food for the soul, for the mind, for the spirit,” he said, criticizing governments that restrict access to education, leading to a situation where only the rich can access higher education.

He emphasized the importance of universities, which he likened to "a second home" and stressed that they are fundamental for a nation’s future. “A country must provide resources for its universities to create the new brains of the future,” he said.

The Church’s Future

When asked about his vision for the future of the Church, Pope Francis expressed confidence in its direction. “I think the Church is already well designed, by God's intuition, by the Holy Spirit who guides it, and by the decisions the Church has been making,” he said. He envisioned a Church where the laity is deeply involved, with parishes becoming vibrant communities that work alongside the clergy.

"Dialogue is very important. The Church will continue to grow in this dynamic," he affirmed.

Finally, in a message to the people of Argentina for Christmas, Pope Francis encouraged them to “keep fighting, defend yourselves from ideologies, and don't let yourselves be fooled. Fight for your rights.”