Pope Leo XIV set a firm tone for his papacy on Friday, stating that the Catholic Church will not stray from its core doctrines on life, family, and truth.

In remarks to diplomats at the Vatican, Pope Leo stressed the Church’s foundation in peace, justice, and truth while reaffirming traditional teachings on issues such as abortion, marriage, and support for the vulnerable, the Christian Post reported.

Just one week after assuming the papacy as the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo addressed the Vatican Diplomatic Corps in a widely watched address. Amid rising interest in how he would approach divisive global issues, the pope offered clarity about his vision for the Church’s direction.

In his speech, he named peace, justice, and truth as the guiding pillars of the Church’s mission and the foundation for Vatican diplomacy. He emphasized that these values are not only theological concepts but practical aims in politics and society.

“Peace, justice, and truth” are essential to how the Church carries out its mission around the world, he said, framing his message in terms of diplomacy and moral leadership from the Vatican standpoint.

Pope Emphasizes Family and Dignity

Leo also urged global leaders to build harmonious societies by investing in the family. He defined the family as a stable union between a man and a woman, linking it to broader societal values such as stability and cohesion.

He stressed that respecting every person, especially the most vulnerable, was a central obligation—not just for Church members, but for all society. These included the unborn, the elderly, immigrants, and others facing various kinds of hardship.

“Everyone,” he said, must work to protect human dignity, naming groups that are often marginalized, such as the sick and unemployed, along with migrants and citizens alike.

Views on Modern Challenges and Truth

While Pope Leo reiterated central Catholic principles, he also acknowledged contemporary global issues. He pointed to artificial intelligence, environmental degradation, and the global migration crisis as significant challenges requiring moral guidance and shared responsibility.

Despite ongoing debates inside and outside the Church, Leo stated that the Church must continue to speak boldly about humanity and the modern world’s realities. Doing so might invite confusion or opposition, but such clarity was necessary, he said.

The pope acknowledged that this mission is not just about stating facts or defending church dogma. “Truth,” he said, must always stem from concern for people’s well-being. His remarks framed truth as something rooted in charity, shaped by compassion.

Defining Truth as Encounter with Christ

Pope Leo further elaborated that, from a Christian perspective, truth is not abstract or theoretical. Rather, it is a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, who is alive in the community of believers.

He clarified that religious dialogue and mutual respect among faiths are central to efforts for peace. Interreligious initiatives, he argued, could create an environment where conflicts can be resolved and understanding deepened.

Religious freedom, he added, is essential in any environment where peace is to thrive. Without it, he said, society cannot cultivate the kind of openness required for lasting relationships and reconciliation.

Old Social Media Posts Trigger Debate

Despite his public commitments to traditional doctrine, Pope Leo has faced skepticism from some corners. Before his election, concerns emerged over his former social media activity as Cardinal Robert Prevost.

Critics circulated screenshots showing the future pope sharing an article from the National Catholic Reporter that pushed back against Vice President J.D. Vance's ideas about prioritizing family and national loyalty based on a Christian order of love.

Other posts showed him voicing criticism of former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and rhetoric during Trump’s initial campaign. These revelations sparked debate about whether the new pontiff might represent a more progressive faction within the Church.

Brother and Supporters Defend Pope’s Record

One of Leo’s family members spoke in his defense earlier this week. His brother, Louis Prevost, appeared on a television interview to clear up public confusion about the Pope’s values and approach.

Louis emphasized that his brother has a background in canon law and a deep-rooted commitment to Catholic traditions. In his view, Pope Leo’s social media actions did not contradict Church teachings.

“He follows the rules of the Church,” Louis said, pointing out that any suggestion the new pope supported doctrines such as gay marriage was unfounded. “At his roots,” Louis added, “he’s Catholic, and he follows the rules of the Church.”

Diverse Reactions to the New Papacy

The mixed perceptions of Pope Leo’s philosophy have continued to spark debate. Worship artist Sean Feucht labeled him the “Woke Pope 2.0,” suggesting that Leo’s past online activity pointed to ideological leanings outside the traditional fold.

Despite these reactions, Leo emphasized that being truthful may at times lead to public misunderstanding. Yet, he maintained that love and care for others must remain inseparable from proclaiming Christian belief.

With just one week into his papacy, Leo XIV has stated plainly that faithfulness to Church teaching and honest engagement with the modern world are not mutually exclusive. Rather, he sees them as elements of the same global mission.