VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV affirmed on Friday that the foundation of the family is the "stable union between a man and a woman," emphasizing the Catholic Church's teachings regarding marriage and abortion at the outset of his pontificate. He also highlighted the importance of respecting the dignity of the unborn and the elderly, stating that all individuals are valued as God's creations.
As the first American pope, Leo addressed multilateral diplomacy and the promotion of interfaith dialogue during his initial meeting with the Vatican diplomatic corps. This private audience, whose transcripts were later released, included remarks highlighting the Vatican's diplomatic relations with over 180 countries and its status as a sovereign entity under international law.
Leo, a member of the Augustinian order, reiterated the significance of peace as a central theme of his papacy. From his inaugural words spoken from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica on May 8, when he declared, "Peace be with you all," he has prioritized the quest for harmony. In his address, he articulated that peace should be understood as more than just the absence of conflict; it is a "gift" that necessitates deliberate effort, which includes various actions, from ceasing the production of weapons to carefully considering one's words. He remarked, “For words too, not only weapons, can wound and even kill.”
The newly elected Pope insisted that governments bear the responsibility of fostering peaceful societies, particularly by investing in families based on traditional unions. He stated, "In addition, no one is exempted from striving to ensure respect for the dignity of every person," emphasizing the importance of supporting the most vulnerable individuals in society, including the unborn, the elderly, the sick, the unemployed, citizens, and immigrants.
Pope Francis, Leo's predecessor, notably reinforced the Church's stance against abortion and euthanasia, calling them manifestations of a "throwaway culture." However, he also made substantial efforts to reach out to LGBTQ+ Catholics, asserting that they are welcome within the Church. While he did not alter Church Doctrine that defines marriage strictly as a union between a man and a woman and views homosexual acts as "intrinsically disordered," he maintained a more inclusive approach compared to earlier teachings.
As the former head of the Augustinian order, Rev. Robert Prevost had previously criticized the "homosexual lifestyle" and the influence of mass media in fostering the acceptance of same-sex relationships contrary to Catholic doctrine. Yet, over the past decade, he recognized Pope Francis's vision of a more inclusive Church, expressing a desire not to exclude individuals based solely on their lifestyle choices.
Leo XIV's first public address delineated clear priorities for his papacy, aiming to uphold traditional values while also engaging with contemporary societal issues. His dual focus on family as a cornerstone of society and the imperative of peace sets a tone for his leadership moving forward.
