- Feb 5, 2002
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In his most explicitly pro-life speech to date, Pope Leo demands an end to abortion and surrogacy globally.
Editor's Note: Pope Leo XIV offered his 'State of the World' speech on Jan. 9, 2026. Please read the full transcript below.
Your Eminence,
Your Excellencies
Distinguished Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to thank His Excellency Ambassador George Poulides, dean of the Diplomatic Corps, for his kind and respectful words on your behalf. I welcome all of you to this meeting for the exchange of greetings at the beginning of the new year.
This is a traditional occasion in the life of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See; but it is a new experience for me, since it was only several months ago that I was called to shepherd Christ’s flock. I am pleased, therefore, to welcome you this morning, and I am grateful for your generous participation, which this year is enriched by the presence of the new resident heads of mission of Kazakhstan, Burundi and Belarus. I thank the respective governmental authorities for their decision to open in Rome diplomatic representations to the Holy See. This is a tangible sign of good and fruitful bilateral relations. Through each of you, dear ambassadors, I wish to extend my good wishes to your countries, and to share a reflection on our times, which are so troubled by a growing number of tensions and conflicts.
Continued below.
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Editor's Note: Pope Leo XIV offered his 'State of the World' speech on Jan. 9, 2026. Please read the full transcript below.
Your Eminence,
Your Excellencies
Distinguished Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to thank His Excellency Ambassador George Poulides, dean of the Diplomatic Corps, for his kind and respectful words on your behalf. I welcome all of you to this meeting for the exchange of greetings at the beginning of the new year.
This is a traditional occasion in the life of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See; but it is a new experience for me, since it was only several months ago that I was called to shepherd Christ’s flock. I am pleased, therefore, to welcome you this morning, and I am grateful for your generous participation, which this year is enriched by the presence of the new resident heads of mission of Kazakhstan, Burundi and Belarus. I thank the respective governmental authorities for their decision to open in Rome diplomatic representations to the Holy See. This is a tangible sign of good and fruitful bilateral relations. Through each of you, dear ambassadors, I wish to extend my good wishes to your countries, and to share a reflection on our times, which are so troubled by a growing number of tensions and conflicts.
Continued below.
Full Text: Pope Leo’s ‘State of the World’ Speech 2026
In his most explicitly pro-life speech to date, Pope Leo demands an end to abortion and surrogacy globally.
