Pope Leo XIV declared on Friday that the family is founded on the “stable union between a man and a woman,” and reinforced the Church’s unshakable commitment to defending the dignity of both the unborn and the elderly.
In his first formal address to the Vatican diplomatic corps, Pope Leo delivered a clear message rooted in biblical truth and moral clarity. While the audience was private, the Vatican released the prepared remarks from both the Holy Father and the dean of the diplomatic corps.
The pope’s words stood as a firm declaration of traditional values in an era when many world leaders and institutions have compromised on foundational moral principles.
Pope Leo XIV underscored the family as the cornerstone of a just and stable society, stating plainly that it must be built on “the stable union between a man and a woman.” His message served as a powerful reminder that no civilization can thrive while undermining marriage and the family unit.
He went on to speak about the dignity of every human person—especially those most at risk of being dehumanized or discarded. “No one is exempted from striving to ensure respect for the dignity of every person,” the pope said, “especially the most frail and vulnerable, from the unborn to the elderly, from the sick to the unemployed, citizens and immigrants alike.”
VP JD Vance to attend Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo in Rome
This unapologetic defense of human life comes at a time when Western nations, particularly in Europe and North America, continue to normalize abortion, assisted suicide, and policies that marginalize traditional families.
While reaffirming Catholic doctrine, Pope Leo also emphasized the urgent need for peace—not merely the absence of war, but peace as a spiritual and societal endeavor. He criticized not only the weapons of war but the careless and inflammatory rhetoric that wounds and divides.
“For words too, not only weapons, can wound and even kill,” he noted, urging nations to invest in building cultures of peace by first supporting strong families rooted in natural law.
Leo’s remarks echo his first words to the world after his May 8 election: “Peace be with you all.” A member of the Augustinian order, he has consistently placed peace and spiritual renewal at the forefront of his vision for the Church.
Under Pope Francis, the Vatican emphasized outreach and inclusivity—especially toward those identifying as LGBTQ—while still upholding doctrinal teaching on marriage and sexuality. However, critics often felt that Francis blurred the lines between pastoral sensitivity and doctrinal compromise.
Francis’ outreach left the core doctrine unchanged: marriage remains between a man and a woman, and the Church still teaches that homosexual acts are “intrinsically disordered.” But in public perception, the messaging often caused confusion.
Pope Leo appears determined to reestablish clarity—rooted in charity but unafraid to speak truth.
As the former head of the Augustinian order, then-Father Robert Prevost (now Pope Leo XIV) warned in 2012 against the “homosexual lifestyle” and the way mass media glamorizes relationships that contradict Catholic teaching. Though he later expressed a desire not to exclude anyone from the Church, his stance remained firmly grounded in moral realism and theological fidelity.
His installation Mass is scheduled for this Sunday, where he is expected to further outline his vision for a revitalized and faithful Catholic Church. Check for more updates on Resist Times news page.
