Just a week after his election as Pope, Leo XIV delivered his first formal address to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See on Friday morning.
In his speech, he extended heartfelt gratitude to Ambassador George Poulides of Cyprus, the outgoing Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, recognizing his dedication, warmth, and the respect he earned from Pope Francis and previous pontiffs.
Addressing the gathered diplomats, Pope Leo XIV underscored the Church’s mission to serve all of humanity. He described the diplomatic community as a shared family, united by common human and spiritual values. He emphasized that the Church does not seek special privileges, but rather aims to build bridges through its unique form of diplomacy—one rooted in pastoral concern and care.
Pope Leo also highlighted the continuing influence of Pope Francis, particularly his advocacy for the marginalized, environmental protection, and thoughtful engagement with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Drawing from his own experiences across the Americas and Europe, Pope Leo expressed a personal commitment to “transcend borders” and to foster deeper connections between the Church and the global community.
Core Values: Peace, Justice, and Truth
The heart of his message rested on three guiding principles: peace, justice, and truth—pillars he identified as central to the Church’s mission and its diplomatic engagement.
Peace
The Pope described peace not merely as the absence of conflict, but as a dynamic and active gift—the first gift of Christ. True peace, he said, begins within individuals, fostered by humility, careful communication, and the rejection of pride and revenge. He emphasized that words can harm just as much as weapons and reiterated the importance of religious freedom and interfaith dialogue in achieving lasting peace. He also called for a renewed commitment to multilateral diplomacy and an end to the global arms race, echoing Pope Francis’ final messages.
Justice
Turning to justice, Pope Leo drew inspiration from Pope Leo XIII and the Church’s longstanding tradition of social teaching. He pointed to growing global inequalities and urged support for families and the dignity of every human being, regardless of age, status, or nationality. Speaking personally, he reflected on his background as the child of immigrants and called for a spirit of solidarity rooted in shared human dignity.
Truth
On the theme of truth, the Pope stressed the need for honest communication and trust in an age where misinformation, particularly online, is widespread. He affirmed that truth is not merely a concept but a lived encounter with Christ. This truth, he said, enables humanity to face pressing issues—such as migration, environmental challenges, and technological change—with unity and purpose.
A Vision of Hope
Concluding his address, Pope Leo situated his papacy within the Jubilee Year of Hope, framing it as a time for transformation, healing, and moving beyond conflict. He renewed the Holy See’s pledge to stand beside every nation in building a world rooted in human dignity and peace.
“It is my hope,” he said, “that this may become a reality everywhere, especially in those places suffering the most—such as Ukraine and the Holy Land.”, Vatican News writes.
Photo: Vatican News media
