First American pontiff also calls for global unity, interfaith dialogue ahead of installation Mass

VATICAN CITY — In his first official address to members of the diplomatic corps on Friday, newly elected Pope Leo XIV emphasized the Catholic Church’s commitment to traditional family values, the sanctity of life, and renewed global cooperation.

The pontiff, the first American to ascend to the papacy, affirmed that the family is “rooted in the union of a man and a woman” and reiterated the Church’s belief in the inherent dignity of both the unborn and the elderly as “creatures of God.”

The closed-door audience at the Apostolic Palace is part of the Vatican’s post-conclave protocol, allowing the new pope to outline his early priorities to the global diplomatic community.

Pope Leo XIV also urged nations to recommit to peaceful diplomacy and interfaith dialogue in an increasingly divided and conflict-prone world.

“Let us seek the common good, across borders and beliefs, in service of humanity,” he said, according to a Vatican readout of the event.

His comments come just two days ahead of his official installation Mass, which is expected to draw world leaders, religious figures, and thousands of pilgrims to St. Peter’s Basilica.

The speech sets a tone for Pope Leo XIV’s emerging papal vision one grounded in doctrinal continuity on moral issues, but with a clear globalist outlook on diplomacy, dialogue, and unity.