Pope Leo XIV declares marriage a union of man and woman

‎Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff and a member of the Augustinian order, has laid out a clear moral and diplomatic vision for his papacy. Addressing ambassadors from more than 180 nations accredited to the Holy See, the pope reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s unwavering commitment to family, the sanctity of life, and the global pursuit of peace.

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‎'Pope Leo XIV.'

‎AP

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‎“The family is founded on the stable union between a man and a woman,” he declared, reasserting the Church’s traditional doctrine on marriage. He further emphasized the dignity of all human life, especially the unborn and the elderly, calling each “a creation of God” deserving of protection.

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‎The message, delivered during the customary post-conclave meeting with the Vatican diplomatic corps, serves as a clear articulation of Catholic teaching on moral and social issues and marks a continuity with his predecessors.

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‎Turning to international affairs, Pope Leo appealed to world leaders for a renewal of multilateral diplomacy and interfaith dialogue. He stressed that these tools are essential in confronting conflict and building peace across divisions. “The Church must be a bridge of dialogue,” he said, echoing the first words of his pontificate: “Peace be with you all.”

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‎The address came ahead of his formal installation Mass set for Sunday and highlighted his priority of peace as central to his mission.

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‎Though firm on doctrine, Pope Leo has shown openness to collaboration with women in Church governance. As Cardinal Robert Prevost, he helped implement reforms under Pope Francis that placed women on the Vatican’s bishop-selection board. While maintaining that women cannot be ordained as priests, his colleagues describe him as a leader who listens and respects diverse perspectives.

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‎Maria Lia Zervino, who served with him on the Dicastery for Bishops, praised his inclusive leadership. “He doesn’t need to learn how to work with women—he already does,” she said.

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‎Pope Leo’s inaugural message presents a pontificate rooted in doctrinal clarity, global outreach, and respectful engagement—a balance that signals both continuity and conviction.