In his first official address to the international diplomatic community, newly elected Pope Leo XIV delivered a heartfelt and visionary message to ambassadors accredited to the Holy See, calling on them to build a world founded on the enduring principles of peace, justice, and truth. Speaking just a week after ascending to the papacy, Pope Leo reaffirmed the Church’s mission to be a bridge-builder in a fractured world.

The Pope began his speech by honouring Ambassador George Poulides of Cyprus, the outgoing Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, commending his years of dedication, grace, and statesmanship. Pope Leo expressed gratitude for the ambassador’s service and the respect he earned from both Pope Francis and past pontiffs.

Pope Leo XIV used the moment to reflect on the role of diplomacy in a deeply divided world. Describing the diplomatic corps as a “family that shares both the triumphs and tribulations of humanity,” he emphasized that the Catholic Church does not seek privileges through its global presence but instead opportunities to foster unity, healing, and understanding. The Pope highlighted the Church’s unique form of diplomacy, one grounded not in political interest but in pastoral concern for all peoples.

Echoing the spirit of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Pope Leo acknowledged ongoing inspirations from Francis’ legacy—particularly his advocacy for the poor, his commitment to ecological justice, and his urgent call for ethical reflection on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Drawing from his personal experiences across the Americas and Europe, Pope Leo expressed his desire to go beyond borders—literal and symbolic—to engage the world with renewed fraternity and dialogue.

At the core of his address were three guiding principles for the Church’s diplomatic engagement: peace, justice, and truth.

Peace, the Pope said, is not simply the absence of conflict but a demanding, dynamic gift that must begin in every human heart. “True peace is born of humility, not dominance,” he said, cautioning that words can harm just as deeply as weapons. He underscored the vital importance of religious liberty and dialogue among faiths, while echoing Pope Francis’ final call for global disarmament as a precondition for real peace.

Justice, the second pillar, demands concrete action to counter inequality and uphold human dignity. Recalling Pope Leo XIII’s foundational teachings on social justice, Pope Leo XIV called for renewed investment in families and policies that defend the vulnerable. Drawing from his own immigrant background, he urged the global community to rediscover solidarity across lines of race, nationality, and wealth.

Truth, the final cornerstone, was presented not as a cold doctrine but as a living encounter with Christ. In a digital age rife with misinformation and division, Pope Leo stressed the need for honest, compassionate communication. “Truth must be spoken with love, even when it is difficult,” he said. Only truth, he added, can unite humanity in addressing shared global challenges like migration, climate change, and technological upheaval.

Concluding his remarks in the spirit of the upcoming Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Leo framed his papal mission as one of renewal and reconciliation. He reiterated the Vatican’s commitment to walking beside every nation, and urged the world to seize this moment to turn away from conflict and build a future grounded in dignity and peace. “Let this journey of peace begin with those who suffer the most—especially in Ukraine and the Holy Land,” he declared.

Pope Leo XIV’s first message to the diplomatic world was clear: peace is possible—but only if it is rooted in truth, justice, and the courageous hope to envision a better tomorrow.