Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed the Vatican’s commitment to defending human rights, telling newly accredited ambassadors on Saturday that the Holy See will not stand idle in the face of global injustices. Addressing 13 diplomats, the pontiff said the Church would continue to speak out against inequalities, abuses, and divisions affecting communities worldwide.
He emphasized that the Holy See’s moral responsibility extends to all people, particularly those suffering the effects of conflict and social fragmentation.Leo XIV highlighted that the Church’s diplomatic mission is rooted in serving humanity, especially by advocating for the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized.
He noted that this approach aligns with the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who prioritized the protection of migrants and disadvantaged groups during his papacy. The new pope, elected in May following Francis’s death, has already demonstrated similar convictions through his strong positions on humanitarian issues.
The pontiff’s message also reflected his personal experience, including nearly two decades spent as a missionary in Peru. In recent months, he has criticised the treatment of migrants in the United States under President Donald Trump, describing it as “extremely disrespectful.” The ambassadors welcomed at the Vatican represented Uzbekistan, Moldova, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Liberia, Thailand, Lesotho, South Africa, Fiji, Micronesia, Latvia, and Finland.
