Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV said that justice in the Church must always be a form of service to the people of God, as he opened the judicial year of the Vatican City State Tribunal.
Speaking to members of the Vatican judiciary, the Pope thanked them for their quiet and discreet work in carrying out the mission of justice. In his first address to the Vatican judicial authorities, he said that true justice cannot rely only on written laws but must also be rooted in charity and concern for others.
Pope explained that justice is closely connected with love and respect for human dignity. Drawing on the teachings of Saint Augustine, he said justice is a key virtue that supports both personal life and the life of the community.
He noted that when love is properly ordered and God is placed at the center, people are able to recognize the dignity of others. In such a situation, society and personal relationships become more balanced and meaningful.
Pope Leo XIV said that true love always leads to justice because it respects the truth of human relationships and the dignity of every person. He added that perfect charity leads to perfect justice, meaning that justice reaches its full meaning when it is guided by love.
Pope also said justice requires respect for the rights of every person. When practiced with balance and commitment to truth, justice becomes a strong force that unites communities and builds trust among people.
Referring to the role of the legal system in Vatican City State, the Pope said the judicial process does more than settle disputes. It also helps maintain the credibility and trustworthiness of institutions.
He stressed the importance of fairness in legal proceedings, including impartial judges, the right to defense, proper procedures and reasonable time for cases to be completed.
Quoting Saint Augustine, the Pope said a state cannot function without justice and that true law cannot exist where justice is absent.
He added that the work of the Vatican judiciary serves the Church’s mission by carefully examining the facts of each case and seeking the truth. According to him, the search for truth lies at the heart of the life of the Church.
Pope Leo XIV concluded by saying that justice guided by truth and mercy brings stability and trust to society. When law is applied with honesty and a spirit of service, it becomes a valuable instrument for building unity and strengthening the communion of the people of God.