Pope Leo XIV said yesterday that armed conflicts are driven by the exploitation of oil fields, with no regard for international law or the right of peoples to determine their own future.
The pope made the remarks in posts on his X account while visiting Equatorial Guinea as part of an 11-day African tour that began in Algeria on 13 April. The trip also included stops in Cameroon and Angola.
His comments came amid an ongoing exchange with US President Donald Trump, following the popeâs condemnation of US policies, particularly on immigration and the war on oil-rich Iran.
Even more than in the past, it is clear today that the proliferation of armed conflicts is often driven by the exploitation of oil and mineral deposits, with no regard for international law or the self-determination of peoples.
â Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) April 21, 2026
âIt is clear today that the proliferation of armed conflicts is often driven by the exploitation of oil and mineral deposits, with no regard for international law or the self-determination of peoples,â said Pope Leo.
He warned that, unless there is a shift towards greater political responsibility and respect for international institutions and agreements, âhumanityâs destiny risks being tragically compromisedâ.
Read: âWorld is being ravaged by handful of tyrants,â says Pope Leo
In what appeared to be a veiled criticism of Trump, the pope added: âGod does not want this. His holy Name must not be profaned by the desire for domination, arrogance, or discrimination. Above all, it must never be invoked to justify death-dealing choices and actions.â
The Pope went on to say: âIn a world wounded by arrogance, people hunger and thirst for justice.â
The Pope called for recognition of those who believe in peace and dare to act, urging leaders to have the courage to adopt policies that go against the tide and prioritise the common good.
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