Pope Leo XIV has publicly affirmed that the family is founded on the union between a man and a woman. He emphasized the Church’s stance on marriage and the sanctity of life.
Pope Leo XIV said that the family is founded on the “stable union between a man and a woman.” He stated that the unborn and elderly enjoy dignity as God’s creatures. He articulated clear Catholic teachings on marriage and abortion. He did this at the start of his pontificate. He addressed the members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See on Friday morning. This was just one week after his election to the See of Peter.
Pope Leo XIV addressed the diplomatic community for the first time. He paid tribute to Ambassador George Poulides of Cyprus. Ambassador Poulides is the outgoing Dean of the Corps. Pope Leo XIV praised his years of “energy, commitment and kindness.” He acknowledged the esteem Ambassador Poulides earned from Pope Francis and previous Popes.
Additionally, he has acknowledged the inherent dignity of the unborn and elderly, aligning with long-standing Catholic teachings.
Pope Leo XIV’s choice of words, “stable union between a man and a woman,” aligns with the Church’s doctrine. This is outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Catechism defines marriage as a covenant between baptized persons. It is ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring.
Pope Leo XIV went on to note that this mission echoes the legacy of Pope Francis. His commitment to the poor and the marginalized is a constant inspiration. His attention to the protection of creation and the rise of artificial intelligence also remains ongoing inspiration.
The Pope reflected on his own life. His journey has taken him across North and South America and Europe. He expressed his personal desire to “transcend borders.” He also wishes to deepen the Church’s relationship with peoples and nations throughout the world.
Three pillars: peace, justice, and truth
The Pope’s address centered on three essential words. He identified these words as the pillars of the Church’s missionary activity. They are also the foundation of the Holy See’s diplomatic engagement: peace, justice, and truth.
Peace
The first word, peace, he described not as the mere absence of war. He saw it as a demanding and active gift, “the first gift of Christ”. True peace, he continued, must begin in the human heart. It starts through humility and careful speech. It also requires the rejection of both pride and vengeance. This, he continued, refers to words as well, since “not only weapons can wound and even kill”.
With this in mind, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the indispensable role of religious freedom and interreligious dialogue in cultivating peace. He called for a renewal of multilateral diplomacy. He also urged a decisive halt to the arms race. This call echoed Pope Francis’ final Urbi et Orbi message. In it, he warned, as he often did, that “no peace is possible without true disarmament”.
Justice
Pope Leo then turned to the second word, justice. He reflected on the memory of Pope Leo XIII. He also considered the Church’s rich tradition of social teaching. The world is facing ever deepening global inequalities. Pope Leo urged leaders to invest in the family. He encouraged them to uphold the dignity of every human person.
He then shared a brief reflection on his own identity as the child of immigrants. He called for greater solidarity. This solidarity should be rooted in the shared human dignity of all people, regardless of circumstance or nationality.
Truth
Speaking then of the third and final world, truth, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the critical importance of authentic communication. He emphasized the need for peaceful relations. In today’s world, reality is often distorted. This is especially true online. The Pope emphasized that the Church has a duty to speak truth with charity. This is necessary even when it is difficult or misunderstood.
“Truth,” he said, “is not an abstract principle but an encounter with the person of Christ”. It is this truth, he continued, that allows humanity to face its most urgent challenges. These challenges include migration, technology, or the environment. We can approach them with unity and shared purpose.
Hope for a new path
Pope Leo XIV concluded his address. He placed his ministry within the context of the Jubilee Year of Hope. He described this year as a time for conversion and renewal. Above all, it is a time for leaving conflict behind.
Finally, he renewed the Holy See’s commitment to walking alongside every nation. They aim to build a world where all may live with dignity and peace. “It is my hope,” he concluded. “This will start with those places that suffer most grievously, like Ukraine. It also includes the Holy Land.”
Source Vatican News.
