Pope Leo XIV Criticizes Global Military Spending and the Use of AI in War
Introduction
Pope Leo XIV has officially spoken out against the increase in international military spending and the use of autonomous technology in modern wars.
Main Body
During a speech at Sapienza University, the Pope focused on the rise in global defense spending, which reached about $3 trillion in 2025. He argued that this trend is a dangerous process of rearmament rather than a necessary defense. Furthermore, he emphasized that moving money from healthcare and education to military equipment only benefits a small group of powerful people. This view is supported by data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which shows that Europe has the highest spending growth due to the war in Ukraine and pressure from the US for NATO members to pay more. Additionally, the Pope discussed the ethics of military technology. He described the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran as an 'inhumane evolution.' Consequently, he called for strict rules to ensure that humans remain responsible for the decisions made by AI. He is expected to explain these concerns in more detail in a future official letter, known as an encyclical. At the same time, political tensions continue within the Atlantic alliance. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio questioned the value of NATO after Spain refused to let US planes use its bases during the Iran conflict. As a result, the US has threatened trade sanctions and the withdrawal of troops. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has dismissed European fears of Russian aggression, calling them fake stories. Despite these problems, the Vatican and the US State Department recently showed a willingness to cooperate during a meeting between the Pope and Secretary Rubio to promote peace.
Conclusion
The current global situation shows a clear conflict between the rapid modernization of weapons and diplomatic efforts to reduce the risks of high-tech warfare.
Learning
🚀 The 'Logic Bridge': Moving from Simple to Complex Ideas
At the A2 level, you usually connect ideas with and, but, or because. To reach B2, you need Transition Signals. These are words that tell the reader how the next sentence relates to the previous one.
🔍 Spotting the 'Connectors' in the Text
Look at how the author links ideas in the article. Instead of basic words, they use these "B2 Bridges":
- Adding more information: Furthermore / Additionally
- Showing a result: Consequently / As a result
- Showing a contrast (the 'opposite' side): Despite / Meanwhile
🛠️ How to Use Them (The B2 Upgrade)
Stop writing short, choppy sentences. Start grouping your thoughts using these logic signals:
| A2 Style (Basic) | B2 Style (Professional) | Why it's better |
|---|---|---|
| It is raining. I will stay home. | Consequently, I will stay home. | It shows a clear cause-and-effect relationship. |
| AI is fast. It can be dangerous. | AI is fast; furthermore, it can be dangerous. | It builds a stronger argument by layering points. |
| He is rich. He is unhappy. | Despite his wealth, he is unhappy. | It connects two opposing ideas into one elegant sentence. |
💡 Pro Tip: The 'Despite' Trap
Notice in the text: "Despite these problems, the Vatican... showed a willingness to cooperate."
The Rule: After "Despite," we use a noun or a gerund (-ing), NOT a full sentence with a verb.
- ❌ Despite it was raining... (Wrong)
- ✅ Despite the rain... (Correct)
- ✅ Despite raining... (Correct)