Pope Leo’s First “State of the World” Address: A Call for Truth, Peace, and Human Dignity

On a momentous occasion marking his first official address to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, Pope Leo shared a sweeping reflection on the state of the world, rooted deeply in Christian theology and urgent contemporary realities.

Drawing from the timeless insights of St.

Augustine’s “City of God,” he contrasted the eternal city—characterized by God’s unconditional love and care for the poor—with the earthly city, driven by pride, selfishness, and transient power.

This framework provided a lens through which to view today’s fractured geopolitical landscape and social challenges.

Pope Leo began by honoring the legacy of Pope Francis and the recent Jubilee year, which brought millions of pilgrims to Rome seeking spiritual renewal.

He recounted his visits to Turkey and Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of ecumenical dialogue and the hope embodied by young people striving for justice and cohesion amid adversity.

Turning to the global stage, the Pope lamented the decline of multilateral diplomacy and the alarming return of war as a tool for asserting dominance.

He warned that peace is no longer pursued as a shared good but often sought through force and weaponry, undermining the rule of law essential for peaceful coexistence.

He reminded listeners of the founding principles of the United Nations and the vital role it must play in fostering dialogue, protecting human rights, and addressing complex issues such as migration, inequality, and climate change.

A significant portion of the address focused on the erosion of clear and truthful language.

Pope Leo observed how semantic ambiguity and ideological manipulation have rendered communication ineffective and even weaponized, obstructing authentic dialogue at every level—from personal relationships to international diplomacy.

He stressed that freedom of expression depends on language anchored in truth, lamenting the shrinking space for genuine discourse in many societies.

The Pope highlighted the growing threats to fundamental human rights, particularly religious freedom and freedom of conscience, noting that violations affect a majority of the world’s population.

He urged all nations to guarantee full respect for religious worship and condemned anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred.

The plight of persecuted Christians worldwide was underscored, alongside concerns about subtle discrimination even in majority-Christian countries.

Addressing humanitarian crises, Pope Leo called for compassion and justice for migrants, refugees, prisoners, and vulnerable populations.

He advocated for policies that uphold dignity and promote solidarity rather than deceptive forms of “compassion” such as euthanasia.

The importance of supporting families as the fundamental unit of society was emphasized, along with a firm rejection of practices like abortion and surrogacy that undermine the sanctity of life.

The Pope also spoke to the scourge of drug addiction among youth and the necessity of comprehensive strategies for prevention, recovery, and human development.

He framed the protection of life as the foundation of all human rights and warned against the fragmentation of rights into isolated claims disconnected from reality and truth.

Concluding, Pope Leo reflected on the ongoing conflicts around the world, including Ukraine, the Holy Land, Africa, and Asia, urging immediate ceasefires, dialogue, and just solutions that protect the vulnerable.

He called for renewed efforts to uphold treaties limiting nuclear arsenals and responsibly manage emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Drawing inspiration from saints like St. Francis of Assisi, the Pope appealed for humility, courage, and truthfulness as essential virtues for peacemaking.

His address was a clarion call for global leaders and citizens alike to embrace the higher ideals of the “City of God” even as they navigate the complexities of the earthly city.