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Pope Francis spoke to Argentina’s national news agency Telam in a lengthy interview. Questions and discussions were conducted in Pope Francis’ native language, Spanish.
The pope asked questions on a variety of issues including climate change, the pandemic, poverty and his own decade of papacy.
At one point in the interview, Pope Francis was asked about the durability and longevity of “multilateral organizations” – and their ability to influence peace. In particular, the Pope spoke about the role of the United Nations and dismissed the organization as powerless.
“After the Second World War, trust was placed in the United Nations. It is not my intention to offend anyone, I know very good people work there, but at this time the UN has no power to assert its authority,” the Pope said.
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Pope Francis arrives Thursday, December 2, 2021 to attend a ceremony at the Maronite Cathedral of Our Lady of Graces in Nicosia, Cyprus. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Pope Francis explained that he did not mean to point the finger or offend anyone with the observation – and that the UN can occasionally offer useful help – but ultimately the UN charter does not allow it to be of much use.
He continued: “It helps prevent wars and I’m thinking of Cyprus where Argentine troops are working together. But to stop a war, to resolve a conflict like the one we are seeing in Europe right now, or others around the world, it has no power. I don’t want to offend. It’s just that their constitution doesn’t give the organization that kind of power.”
An English translation of the interview was provided by the Vatican’s official press office.
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Pope Francis delivers his homily during a mass celebrating the Solemnity of the Epiphany in St. Peter’s Basilica January 6, 2022 in Vatican City, Vatican. (AleVatican Pool/Getty Images)
Last month, Pope Francis put to bed all rumors of an impending resignation from the papacy.
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At a meeting with over a dozen Catholic bishops visiting the Vatican from Brazil, Pope Francis spoke about his health and plans for the future of his rule. The Pope told visiting Archbishop Roque Paloschi that resigning from the Holy See “is not on the mind of him,” according to the Portuguese edition of the Vatican’s official news service.
The pope did not feign great health, however, and reportedly told bishops that he faces many challenges but that he wants to live the life that God has given him to the end.
Timothy Nerozzi is a writer for Fox News Digital. You can follow him on Twitter @timothynerozzi and email him at [email protected]