Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV welcomed thirteen new ambassadors to the Holy See on Friday and urged them to work together with the Vatican to build a more peaceful and just world. The Pope reminded the diplomats that peace requires commitment dialogue and courage especially at a time when many people across the world face wars division and injustice.
The new ambassadors represent Uzbekistan Moldova Bahrain Sri Lanka Pakistan Liberia Thailand Lesotho South Africa Fiji Micronesia Latvia and Finland. They presented their Letters of Credence to Pope Leo at the Apostolic Palace marking the beginning of their missions in Rome.
Speaking to them Pope said the Holy See will not remain a silent observer when human dignity is threatened or when people suffer from inequality or violence. He said the Church’s diplomatic work is directed toward the good of humanity and especially toward those who are poor or pushed aside by society.
Pope stressed that peace is more than the absence of conflict. He described it as something active and demanding something that begins in the heart. He encouraged the ambassadors to promote dialogue respect and understanding among nations and warned against the use of harsh or hostile language in political life.
Pope Leo recalled his first words as Bishop of Rome Peace be with you and said this message remains at the center of his ministry. He added that diplomacy should help build bridges and support cooperation between peoples even when differences seem difficult to overcome.
Pope also linked his message to the Jubilee Year of Hope which continues throughout 2025. He said the Jubilee invites people and nations to renew trust in each other in society and in the future and to defend human dignity and care for creation.
Pope Leo offered his prayers and good wishes for the ambassadors as they begin their service. He encouraged them to help open new paths of dialogue and friendship and to work with the Holy See for a world shaped by justice fraternity and peace.