Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church, delivered his first major address in the Vatican, highlighting core Church teachings on marriage, human dignity, and diplomatic engagement.

Speaking before the Vatican’s diplomatic corps on May 16, the first American pope called for unity around traditional values, defense of the vulnerable, and global cooperation on pressing ethical concerns, as Fox News reports.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected as the head of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025. He is a member of the Augustinian religious order and marks a historic moment for the Church as its first American pontiff. His leadership begins during a time of global challenges and shifting geopolitical landscapes.

The private gathering with diplomatic representatives took place ahead of his formal installation Mass, scheduled for Sunday, May 18. This preliminary address is a traditional part of a new pope’s introduction to the international community, allowing him to outline his priorities before an audience of foreign envoys. Pope Leo took this opportunity to speak on themes of peace, truth, and justice -- values he described as essential to the Church’s mission and to international diplomacy.

Pope emphasizes traditional foundations of marriage

In his remarks, Pope Leo restated the Catholic Church’s commitment to a family structure rooted in what he described as the permanent bond between one man and one woman. He argued that this model of family is at the heart of a stable society and called on political leaders to support it.

“It is the responsibility of government leaders to work to build harmonious and peaceful civil societies,” the pope said. “This can be achieved above all by investing in the family, founded upon the stable union between a man and a woman.”

His comments reflect a continuation of long-standing Church teachings on marriage and family life. While he did not address any legal or policy matters specifically, his emphasis on these topics underscores the direction his papacy is likely to take in social and moral discussions.

Call to protect most vulnerable

Pope Leo also underscored the importance of human dignity, especially for those facing hardship or marginalization. He cited a range of vulnerable populations, including unborn children, the elderly, the sick, and immigrants, emphasizing their equal worth in society.

“No one is exempted from striving to ensure respect for the dignity of every person,” he said, highlighting groups often pushed to the margins. He added that this respect must be extended regardless of a person’s health, employment status, nationality, or stage of life.

Referencing his own background, Pope Leo shared that his father was of French and Italian heritage, while his mother came from Spain, and that his family immigrated to the United States. “My own story is that of a citizen, the descendant of immigrants, who in turn chose to emigrate,” he told the assembled ambassadors, linking his personal experience to the broader global experience of migration.

Commitment to dialogue, global peace

The pope used the address to outline the Vatican’s global diplomatic mission centered on truth, justice, and peace. He described truth as a necessary tool not for creating division but for enabling cooperative responses to global dilemmas. These include migration, the ethical development of artificial intelligence, and environmental preservation.

“Truth does not create division but rather enables us to confront all the more resolutely the challenges of our time,” he said. He argued that only collaboration among nations can provide effective solutions to such widespread issues.

Efforts to enhance religious freedom and promote dialogue between different faiths were also emphasized. The pope stated that protecting these freedoms remains a critical goal of the Holy See’s diplomatic engagements, and he vowed to continue fostering inter-religious understanding during his papacy.

Future engagement with global leaders awaited

The pope acknowledged the possibility of future disagreements with various political figures, including potential friction with U.S. President Donald Trump, especially on immigration policy. However, he did not critique any policies directly, instead steering the conversation toward broader human values and mutual understanding across borders.

His formal installation Mass on Sunday is expected to draw a wide range of global dignitaries. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are among those scheduled to attend the event at St. Peter’s Basilica.

This high-profile ceremony will mark the public start of Pope Leo’s papacy and signal his intention to play an active role in world affairs. The Mass also serves as a moment for Church leaders and global allies to affirm their support for the pope’s vision.

Public support from prominent figures emerges

Outside the Vatican, support for the new pope has begun to take shape. College football coaching legend Lou Holtz publicly encouraged Catholics to stand behind Pope Leo as he begins his leadership. Holtz's message urged believers to “defend and encourage” the new pontiff in his efforts to uphold Church traditions and meet today’s cultural challenges.

As the 267th successor to St. Peter, Pope Leo’s blend of personal experience, religious devotion, and commitment to social teaching is expected to shape his approach to leadership. He inherits a complex Church, navigating tensions between tradition and change.

By emphasizing common human dignity and the Church’s moral voice on global issues, Pope Leo XIV has offered a first glimpse into a papacy likely to blend firm principles with outreach to a rapidly changing world.