Pope Leo XIV to Diplomats: Build Peace with Justice, Truth, and Hope

Just one week after becoming Pope, Pope Leo XIV gave his first speech to ambassadors from around the world on Friday. Speaking to the Diplomatic Corps at the Vatican, he asked world leaders to work together for peace, justice, and truth three values he said are at the heart of the Church’s mission, according to Vatican News. “Peace is not just the end of war” the Pope said. “It is a gift we must work for every day, starting with our hearts.” He explained that real peace needs kindness, humility, and honest words, not pride or revenge. “Not only weapons can kill. Words can hurt too," he warned

Just one week after becoming Pope, Pope Leo XIV gave his first speech to ambassadors from around the world on Friday. Speaking to the Diplomatic Corps at the Vatican, he asked world leaders to work together for peace, justice, and truth three values he said are at the heart of the Church’s mission, according to Vatican News. “Peace is not just the end of war” the Pope said. “It is a gift we must work for every day, starting with our hearts.” He explained that real peace needs kindness, humility, and honest words, not pride or revenge. “Not only weapons can kill. Words can hurt too," he warned. The Pope also asked for more religious freedom and respect between faiths, saying this helps build peace. He repeated a strong message from Pope Francis: “No peace is possible without true disarmament." Justice and Human Dignity The second key word in his speech was justice. The Pope said the world needs to fight poverty and unfair treatment, and that we must protect the dignity of all people. “We must invest in the family and support those in need,” he said. Pope Leo XIV shared part of his personal story. “I am the child of immigrants," he told the ambassadors, calling for solidarity among nations and people. “Everyone deserves respect, no matter where they come from.” Truth in a time of Confusion Next, the Pope spoke about the importance of truth, especially in a world full of false information. “Truth is not just an idea, it is a meeting with Jesus Christ," he said. He encouraged leaders to speak with honesty and love, even when it is difficult. He said truth is needed to face big challenges like migration, new technology, and caring for the environment. “Only truth can bring us together to solve these problems,” he said.  A message of Hope The Pope ended his speech with a message of hope. As the Church prepares for the ''Jubilee Year of Hope,'' he said it is a time for change, healing, and peace. “It is my hope that peace and dignity will reach every nation, especially those suffering most, like Ukraine and the Holy Land,” the Pope said. He promised that the Vatican would continue to work with all countries to build a better world.