VATICAN CITY (AP) — In his first official address to the diplomatic corps at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV made a firm statement about the traditional values of the Catholic Church, emphasizing that the family is fundamentally built on the union of a man and a woman. This declaration came as the newly elected pope began his pontificate, setting a clear tone for the direction of his papacy.
Pope Leo XIV’s Vision for the Family
Pope Leo XIV stressed that the family is the cornerstone of a peaceful and moral society. He described it as “the stable relationship between a man and a woman,” highlighting the Church’s long-held position on the sanctity of traditional marriage. According to Pope Leo XIV, children and the elderly must be treated with dignity as creations of God, and the family unit provides the ideal foundation for nurturing these vulnerable groups.
His address underlined the belief that societal well-being begins with strong families. He said, “Governments must invest in families based on the union of man and woman,” indicating that policies should support such structures rather than erode them.
A Strong Start to the Papacy of Pope Leo XIV
Elected on May 8, Pope Leo XIV is the first American pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church. A member of the Augustinian religious order, he assumed the role following the resignation of Pope Francis. In his initial words from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the world with a message of peace: “Peace be with you all.”
His emphasis on peace has remained consistent. In his meeting with over 180 ambassadors accredited to the Holy See, Pope Leo XIV called for a revival of multilateral diplomacy and interfaith dialogue. He believes these are essential tools for fostering global peace and understanding.
The Role of Multilateral Diplomacy
During his first meeting with the diplomatic corps, which is one of the formalities following the papal conclave, Pope Leo XIV urged world leaders to pursue multilateral solutions to conflicts and crises. He emphasized that peace requires sustained effort, not just the cessation of violence.
“Peace is not merely the absence of war,” Pope Leo XIV said. “It is the product of careful dialogue, cooperation, and commitment to human dignity.”
He went further to say that language itself has power — that words can both heal and harm. “Words, not only weapons, can wound and even kill,” he reminded.
Protecting the Vulnerable and Upholding Human Dignity
In keeping with the Catholic Church’s core teachings, Pope Leo XIV underscored the responsibility of all societies to protect the most vulnerable. He called for policies that respect the dignity of every person — from the unborn to the elderly, from workers to immigrants.
“No one is exempt from the duty to defend human dignity,” he said. His remarks indicated that the Church under his leadership will remain firmly opposed to abortion while championing the rights of the marginalized.
Comparing Pope Leo XIV and Pope Francis
While Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Church’s traditional stance on family and abortion, his predecessor, Pope Francis, had introduced a more inclusive tone in Church teachings. Pope Francis was known for his outreach to LGBTQ+ individuals and emphasized mercy over judgment.
Pope Francis also addressed the “throwaway culture,” criticizing societies that devalue life, particularly regarding abortion and euthanasia. However, his willingness to shift the Church’s language around LGBTQ+ issues marked a significant moment in Vatican history.
By contrast, Pope Leo XIV appears intent on reaffirming the doctrinal foundations of the Church, particularly its definition of marriage. His choice of language and priorities suggest a return to a more conservative, doctrine-focused papacy.
A Historical Moment: The First American Pope
The election of Pope Leo XIV represents a historic shift in the global Catholic Church. As the first pope from the United States, his background brings a new cultural lens to the Vatican. He was previously known for his leadership within the Augustinian order and for his strong theological positions on family and societal structures.
Before his elevation to the papacy, Pope Leo XIV had often spoken about the importance of preserving the Church’s teachings in a rapidly changing world. He warned against what he described as the “erosion of moral values” and the influence of media on shaping public acceptance of ideas contrary to Catholic belief.
Cardinal Robert Prevost’s Influence
One key figure who may continue to influence the Vatican under Pope Leo XIV is Cardinal Robert Prevost. In 2012, while serving as head of the Augustinian order, Prevost publicly criticized the normalization of same-sex relationships in media and society. He stated that these representations contradicted fundamental Catholic teachings.
However, during the papacy of Francis, Prevost adopted a more pastoral tone, echoing the late pontiff’s call for inclusivity. As a trusted figure within the Church hierarchy, Prevost’s evolving stance could play a role in shaping how Pope Leo XIV balances tradition with compassion.
What Lies Ahead for Pope Leo XIV
As Pope Leo XIV prepares for his investiture Mass on Sunday, the global Catholic community will be watching closely. His early statements suggest a clear vision grounded in tradition, morality, and diplomacy. Whether he will soften some of the harder edges of doctrine, as Francis did, or continue reinforcing traditional values, remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: Pope Leo XIV intends to make the defense of the family a pillar of his pontificate. His insistence that peace begins with stable, morally grounded homes marks a notable continuation of Catholic values — and a possible shift back to doctrinal clarity in a time of widespread cultural change.
