Pope Leo XIV delivered his first major remarks as head of the Catholic Church during a private audience with the Vatican’s diplomatic corps on Friday. In a carefully worded speech, the newly elected pontiff reaffirmed long-standing Catholic teachings on marriage and the sanctity of human life, while signalling a commitment to peace and global dialogue.
The pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of the Augustinian order, stressed that marriage, according to Catholic doctrine, is a union exclusively between a man and a woman. Without directly referencing same-sex unions or civil partnerships, he stated that the family must be founded on a “stable bond between a man and a woman,” reiterating a principle that has guided Church teaching for centuries.
He also defended the dignity of the unborn, describing the right to life as “a primary and fundamental right” that precedes all other considerations. He extended this defence of human dignity to the elderly, the poor, the sick, the unemployed, and immigrants, urging the global community to uphold the rights of all vulnerable individuals.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized that peace would be a guiding theme of his papacy. He warned against inflammatory language and irresponsible rhetoric in international affairs, stating, “Words too, not only weapons, can wound and even kill.” He called for multilateral dialogue, disarmament, and diplomacy as the Church’s preferred path forward in addressing global conflicts.
As the first American pope, Leo XIV brings a unique background to the papacy, combining pastoral experience with a reputation for discipline and doctrinal clarity. While his predecessor, Pope Francis, was praised for a more inclusive tone on LGBTQ+ issues, Pope Leo XIV made clear that doctrinal changes are not on the horizon. However, he also reaffirmed the Church’s mission to welcome all people with compassion and respect.
The address signals a return to firmer doctrinal emphasis while maintaining a pastoral voice. It outlines Pope Leo XIV’s vision of a Church that remains rooted in tradition, yet actively engaged in promoting peace, justice, and human dignity on the world stage.
