Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has urged the world to ensure that aircraft are used to promote peace rather than destruction, as he met with leaders and staff of ITA Airways and the Lufthansa Group at the Vatican.
Speaking just weeks before his upcoming apostolic journey to Africa, Pope expressed deep appreciation for the role played by ITA Airways and its predecessor Alitalia in supporting papal travels over the years. He recalled that this service dates back to the time of Pope Paul VI, who was the first pontiff to travel widely by air.
Pope praised the airline staff for their professionalism and dedication, noting that they help create a calm and respectful environment during papal journeys. He said these flights often take on a family like atmosphere, where respect and devotion come together, benefiting not only the Pope and his team but also the journalists who travel with him.
Pope Leo XIV said that papal flights carry a deeper meaning in today’s world. He described them as a symbol of his mission as the successor of Saint Peter, traveling across nations as a messenger of peace. According to him, these journeys should always serve as bridges that promote dialogue, encounter and fraternity among people.
At the same time, Pope expressed concern about the continued use of aircraft in wars. He said it is troubling that planes are still used to spread fear and destruction, despite the painful lessons of past conflicts. Recalling the aerial bombings of the twentieth century, he said such acts should have been completely abandoned.
He warned that while technological progress is good in itself, it becomes harmful when it is used for war. He described this misuse as a step backward rather than true progress.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV once again thanked the airline staff for their support in his mission. He stressed that in today’s world, it is more important than ever to ensure that the skies are used to build peace and not to spread violence.