Making his first appearance at a Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter’s Square following recent surgery, Pope Leo XIV expressed deep gratitude to the faithful for their prayers while delivering a strong message on the vital role of the family. The Pontiff, who was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after undergoing a lung procedure, began his address with heartfelt thanks: “The first thing I would like to say to you is: thank you! Thank you for the support of your prayers. Let us all renew our trust in the goodness and mercy of God.”
Continuing his ongoing catechesis cycle on the documents of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Leo focused on the 1965 Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes (“Joy and Hope”). He emphasized that the well-being of individuals and society as a whole is directly tied to the health of the family unit. Describing the family as a “school of deeper humanity” and the very foundation of society, the Pope called on civic, political, and cultural leaders to fulfill their duty to protect and promote marriage, calling this task “more urgent than ever before.”
Reflecting on the Catholic theology of matrimony, the Pontiff described marriage as an intimate partnership founded on the mutual, total self-giving of husband and wife. He highlighted that true marital love encompasses more than mere attraction—it involves the complete will, affections, and tenderness of spouses who are equal in dignity. This unique bond, mirroring Christ’s love for the Church, calls for total fidelity and an unbreakable oneness that unites a couple into “one flesh.”
Finally, Pope Leo addressed the responsibility of transmitting life and the gift of children. He noted that parents act as co-creators with God when bringing up new life, urging that human life must be protected with the greatest care from the moment of conception. Emphasizing the rejection of abortion and the sacredness of responsible parenthood, the Pope concluded his audience by praying that the Holy Family of Nazareth enlighten and protect families across the world.