Pope Leo XIV has pledged that the Vatican will not stand by quietly in the face of growing human rights violations around the world. He made the commitment on Saturday while addressing 13 newly appointed ambassadors to the Holy See.
The Pope, who was elected in May 2025 after the death of Pope Francis, said the Catholic Church has a responsibility to speak up for people who suffer injustice, poverty, and discrimination.
He stressed that the world is becoming “more fractured and prone to conflict,” and warned that silence in such times only allows abuses to continue.
Pope Leo XIV said the Holy See’s diplomacy will continue to defend the poor, the marginalized, and those whose voices are often ignored. He added that the Church’s global mission is to guide leaders’ consciences and push for fairness and dignity for all people.
The Pope has already shown strong positions on global inequality and the treatment of vulnerable communities. Before becoming pope, he spent nearly 20 years as a missionary in Peru, working closely with poor and displaced families.
Recently, Pope Leo criticised the treatment of migrants in the United States under President Donald Trump, calling it “extremely disrespectful.” His comments reflect his commitment to promoting compassion, especially toward migrants and displaced people—an issue also championed by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
During the ceremony at the Vatican, Pope Leo officially received new ambassadors from Uzbekistan, Moldova, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Liberia, Thailand, Lesotho, South Africa, Fiji, Micronesia, Latvia, and Finland.
He encouraged them to work with the Vatican in promoting peace, justice, and human dignity in their home countries and across the globe.
