In his first address to world diplomats at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of respecting the dignity of migrants, drawing from his personal experience as a descendant of immigrants who has himself emigrated. He stated that every individual’s dignity remains unchanged, regardless of their circumstances, and is rooted in being a creature loved by God. The Pope urged governments to foster contexts that protect the dignity of all people, particularly the most vulnerable, including the unborn, the elderly, the sick, and the unemployed.
The Pope emphasized that migrants’ dignity must be respected and protected, citing his own background as a call for compassion. Pope Leo XIV proposed three pillars for diplomatic and ecclesial action: peace, justice, and truth. He highlighted the importance of inner work for peace, denounced global inequalities, and defended the dignity of every person. The Pope restated the Church’s traditional teaching on marriage, affirming it as a stable union between a man and a woman, and underscored the importance of family as a foundation for harmony in society. He expressed concerns about global conflicts, specifically mentioning Ukraine and the Middle East, and encouraged people to leave conflicts behind and begin a new path, especially in wounded regions.
Pope Leo XIV’s address concluded with a call to action, urging diplomats to pursue diplomacy in the service of truth, justice, and peace. He emphasized the need for multilateral diplomacy and international institutions to resolve controversies and promote peace. The Pope also echoed Pope Francis’ recent request to abandon the race to rearmament, highlighting the importance of disarmament and interreligious dialogue in achieving lasting peace.