In his first major public statement since assuming the papacy, Pope Leo XIV has firmly reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s long-standing teaching on marriage, declaring it to be a sacred union founded exclusively on the bond between a man and a woman.
The pontiff made the declaration on Friday, May 17, 2025, during a private audience with members of the Vatican’s diplomatic corps, an event that traditionally allows the pope to formally greet ambassadors and representatives from nations around the world ahead of his official installation Mass, scheduled for Sunday, May 19.
A Clear Position on Marriage and Family
Pope Leo XIV, who was recently elected as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, used the occasion to outline his core moral and social priorities. At the heart of his message was a strong emphasis on preserving the traditional values of marriage and family life.
“It is the responsibility of government leaders to work to build harmonious and peaceful civil societies,” the Pope said.
“This can be achieved above all by investing in the family, founded upon the stable union between a man and a woman.”
His statement is seen as a clear reaffirmation of Church doctrine, which has consistently held that marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman, ordered towards the mutual good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children.
This declaration comes at a time when global debates around same-sex unions, gender identity, and redefinitions of marriage have intensified, particularly in the Western world. By restating this principle, Pope Leo XIV signals his intent to uphold traditional Catholic teachings on marriage, despite mounting cultural and political pressures.
A Voice for the Vulnerable
Beyond marriage, the Pope also stressed the need to protect the most vulnerable members of society, including the unborn, the elderly, the sick, and immigrants. He emphasized that every human life, regardless of condition or stage, possesses inherent dignity and must be treated with respect and compassion.
“No one is exempted from striving to ensure respect for the dignity of every person,” the Holy Father noted. “This includes the unborn, the frail elderly, the migrant, and the marginalized.”
The Pope also reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s unwavering opposition to abortion, calling it a grave violation of human rights.
“We must continue to defend life at all stages,” he said, implicitly referring to global movements pushing for expanded access to abortion services.
This aspect of his speech is expected to resonate strongly within pro-life communities across the world, particularly in countries where abortion legislation remains a contentious issue.
Religious Freedom and Dialogue
In addition to moral teachings, Pope Leo XIV pledged his commitment to promoting religious freedom and interfaith dialogue, two key priorities that have defined recent papacies.
“The Church will continue to engage in sincere dialogue with all religious traditions,” he assured. “Mutual respect and understanding are vital tools in achieving peace and cooperation in an increasingly fragmented world.”
He added that the right to worship according to one’s conscience should be protected, calling on world leaders to uphold the freedom of religion as a fundamental human right.
His statement aligns with the Vatican’s longstanding support for freedom of belief and its efforts to foster peaceful coexistence among religious communities, especially in conflict zones.
The Diplomatic Significance of the Meeting
The audience with the Vatican diplomatic corps marks an important moment in every papacy, as it serves to introduce the newly elected pope to the international community. The Holy See currently maintains diplomatic relations with over 180 nations, giving the pontiff a unique platform to influence global moral discourse and advocate for human rights.
Friday’s address is being closely analyzed by world leaders and religious figures alike, as it offers insight into the direction Pope Leo XIV intends to steer the Catholic Church in the years ahead.
Vatican insiders believe the speech reflects the Pope’s desire to balance moral clarity with compassionate leadership, building bridges without compromising on core doctrine.
Reactions from Around the World
Initial reactions to Pope Leo XIV’s remarks have been mixed, as expected.
Catholic conservatives and pro-family organizations have praised the Pope’s clear stand on marriage, viewing it as a bold reaffirmation of Church teachings amid global ambiguity.
“This is the leadership we need in a time of moral confusion,” said Cardinal Raymond Delmar, a prominent voice within the Church’s conservative wing. “Pope Leo XIV has made it clear that the truth about marriage cannot be redefined by politics or modern trends.”
Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and liberal Catholic thinkers have expressed disappointment, calling for a more inclusive approach to family and gender issues.
“While we respect the Pope’s commitment to dialogue, we had hoped for a more open and inclusive vision of love and family,” said James Quinto, spokesperson for the Global Catholic Equality Network.
Nonetheless, Vatican officials have emphasized that the Pope’s commitment to pastoral outreach remains unwavering, even as he holds firm on doctrinal matters.
A Papacy with Purpose
Pope Leo XIV’s first major remarks as pontiff suggest that his leadership will be defined by moral clarity, human dignity, and a deep concern for the unity and stability of the family. While his positions are rooted in centuries of Catholic tradition, he also presents himself as a global moral voice calling for peace, dialogue, and respect across cultural and religious divides.
As preparations continue for his installation Mass this Sunday, millions of Catholics around the world are watching closely to see how the new pope will guide the Church through the complex challenges of the 21st century.
With a message that intertwines doctrinal faithfulness with compassion for the world’s most vulnerable, Pope Leo XIV appears set to continue the Church’s dual mission of proclaiming eternal truths while responding to contemporary crises with moral courage.
