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.

Pope Leo XIV was chosen on the second day of the conclave by the College of Cardinals, with 133 electors casting their votes inside the Sistine Chapel. The decision was announced with the traditional white smoke rising from the chapel’s chimney, drawing cheers from thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV has served the Church as a missionary, bishop, and most recently as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in the Vatican. His dual heritage and experience in both North and South America make him a symbol of the Church’s growing global identity.

The election follows the death of Pope Francis. Pope Leo XIV will now lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics at a time of significant challenges and transformation, including ongoing reforms, secularization in the West, and vibrant Church growth in the Global South.

His first public appearance and papal blessing, Urbi et Orbi, was met with widespread enthusiasm and anticipation for what many see as a new era for the Vatican.