Pope Leo XIV addressed the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See on Friday, marking his first address to the community since his election as Pope. He praised Ambassador George Poulides of Cyprus, who is stepping down as Dean of the Corps, and highlighted the importance of the diplomatic family’s shared values.
The Pope emphasized that the Church’s mission is rooted in human and spiritual values, with a focus on building bridges through pastoral concern. He noted that this approach echoes the legacy of Pope Francis, who prioritized the poor and marginalized, as well as environmental protection and artificial intelligence.
At the heart of the Pope’s address were three key principles: peace, justice, and truth. Peace, he said, requires humility, careful speech, and a rejection of pride and vengeance. The Church must advocate for religious freedom and interfaith dialogue to promote peace.
Justice is a fundamental aspect of the Church’s social teaching, with a focus on investing in families and upholding human dignity. Pope Leo XIV called for greater solidarity and reminded his audience of the importance of unity in the face of global challenges.
Truth, he emphasized, requires authentic communication and peaceful relations. The Church must speak truth with charity, even when difficult or misunderstood, to promote unity and shared purpose.
The Pope concluded his address by highlighting the Jubilee Year of Hope, a time for conversion, renewal, and leaving conflict behind. He reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to building a world where all can live with dignity and peace.
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/pope-to-diplomatic-corps-build-peace-with-justice-truth-hope.html