Sending a letter from the hospital where he is receiving treatment, Pope Francis issued a call for the disarmament of the world. Suffering from double pneumonia as a result of severe bronchitis he experienced in February, the 88-year-old spiritual leader of Catholics and the President of the Vatican City State, Pope Francis, sent a letter to an Italian newspaper.

In his letter dated March 14, the Pope noted that during his time in the hospital, wars seemed even more senseless to him. He emphasized the significance of words in a world where communication tools connect everyone instantly, stating, “They are never just words; they are truths that build human environments. Words can unite or divide people; they can serve truth or exploit it. We must disarm words in order to disarm minds and the world. There is a great need for deep reflection, serenity, and understanding the complexity of events. War serves no purpose other than destroying communities and the environment, offering no solutions to conflicts. Diplomacy and international organizations must be revitalized with new vitality and credibility.”