In his first address to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, Pope Leo XIV called on the international community to build a world founded on peace, justice, and truth—pillars he described as essential to the Church’s international relations.
Speaking just one week after his election, Leo XIV thanked outgoing Dean Ambassador George Poulides of Cyprus for his years of service, highlighting his dedication, kindness, and the deep respect he earned from recent pontiffs, including Pope Francis.
The Holy Father described the diplomatic community as a “family” united by human and spiritual values. He emphasized that the Church does not seek privileges but strives to build bridges through a diplomacy grounded in pastoral concern.
He reaffirmed the legacy of Pope Francis, especially his commitment to the poor, to environmental protection, and to ethical engagement with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Leo XIV also spoke of his personal journey across the Americas and Europe, expressing a desire to “transcend borders” and deepen relationships with peoples and nations worldwide.
Pillars of Diplomacy: Peace, Justice, Truth
The pope centered his address on three guiding principles:
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Peace: Not merely the absence of conflict, but an active gift rooted in humility, dialogue, and reconciliation. He highlighted the need for religious freedom, interfaith dialogue, and renewed efforts in multilateral diplomacy and disarmament.
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Justice: Echoing Pope Leo XIII’s social teachings, Leo XIV emphasized defending human dignity at every stage of life. Reflecting on his background as a child of immigrants, he called for solidarity across borders and protection for the most vulnerable.
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Truth: In a world marked by misinformation and digital distortion, the Pope stressed the importance of speaking the truth with love. “Truth,” he said, “is not an abstract principle but an encounter with Christ,” essential for facing global challenges like migration, climate change, and technological transformation.
A Message of Hope
Leo XIV concluded his remarks by placing his papal ministry within the context of the Jubilee Year of Hope, calling it a time for renewal, healing, and reconciliation. He reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to working with all nations to build a world where every person can live with dignity and peace.
“It is my hope,” the pope said, “that this will be the case everywhere, starting with those places that suffer most grievously, like Ukraine and the Holy Land.”
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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