Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Catholic Church and the first pope from the United States, addressed the Vatican’s diplomatic corps on Friday, marking one of his first public messages since taking office.
In his speech, he firmly stated that the foundation of society rests on the stable union between a man and a woman and emphasized the inherent dignity of the unborn and elderly.
This initial meeting with global diplomats is part of papal protocol following the election of a new pope. As a sovereign state, the Vatican maintains formal diplomatic relations with more than 180 countries and holds observer status at the United Nations.
Pope Leo spoke of his desire to promote peace worldwide, urging countries to reinvest in diplomacy and strengthen cooperation across national and religious lines. Peace, he said, is not merely the absence of war but a gift that requires daily effort. He warned that violence can come not only from weapons but also from careless words, and he urged restraint in both.
Reinforcing the Church’s long-standing position on marriage, the pope said that families should be built on the union between a man and a woman. He added that governments must support such families if they are to build lasting peace. He linked this foundation to the well-being of society and described the family as central to human development and social stability.
The pope also turned attention to the vulnerable, saying society has a duty to protect every human life, especially those most at risk. He named the unborn, the elderly, the sick, the unemployed, and immigrants as groups who should receive particular care and attention.
While Pope Leo’s message on life issues followed the consistent teaching of the Catholic Church, it also echoed themes from his predecessor, Pope Francis, who called abortion and euthanasia signs of a throwaway culture. At the same time, Pope Francis worked to make LGBTQ Catholics feel welcome in the church, though he did not alter doctrine regarding marriage.
Before becoming pope, Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Prevost, led the Augustinian religious order. More than a decade ago, he expressed concern about media portrayals of same-sex relationships and their impact on Catholic values. In later years, under Pope Francis’ leadership, he acknowledged the need for a more welcoming church that does not reject individuals based on lifestyle alone.
At the close of his remarks, Leo reaffirmed peace as a defining goal of his papacy, repeating the words he spoke from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after his election: “Peace be with you all.” His formal installation will take place this Sunday, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in the leadership of the Catholic Church.