Pope Leo XIV Urges Governments to Invest in Traditional Families as the Foundation for Peaceful Societies During Vatican Address to Diplomats

Investing in Families as the Foundation for Peaceful Societies

At the heart of lasting peace, Pope Leo XIV emphasized on Friday that the key lies in strengthening families.

Speaking to more than 100 ambassadors gathered at the Vatican’s Clementine Hall, the Pope shared his vision that peaceful and just societies start right at home — with families built on the steady bond between a man and a woman.

He explained that governments worldwide could make real progress toward resolving inequalities and bridging divisions between nations and cultures by focusing their efforts on supporting this fundamental unit of society.

According to him, families are the “small but genuine society” that come before civil society itself.

Speaking Truth Even When It’s Difficult

The Pope didn’t shy away from addressing tough topics.

He reminded his audience that the Church has a duty to speak honestly about humanity and the world, even if that truth sometimes causes discomfort or misunderstanding at first.

Quoting the classic social teaching document Rerum Novarum, he stressed that backing the traditional family is essential — and that the Church will continue to boldly uphold this message without compromise.

Peace, Justice, and Truth as Pillars of Diplomacy

During this special audience with the diplomatic corps on May 16, Pope Leo XIV highlighted three words that define the Church’s mission and its diplomatic relations: peace, justice, and truth.

He described these as the foundation of the Holy See’s work with states and sovereign nations.

“The first word is peace,” the Pope said, explaining how people often misunderstand peace as simply the absence of conflict.

But he argued that peace is much more active — it’s a demanding gift from Christ that requires effort and dedication to build strong relationships, whether at home, at work, or in society at large.

Peace as an Active Gift for Building Relationships

Reflecting on the message he shared the day he was elected on May 8, the Pope reminded those present that peace is not a passive state but an ongoing challenge.

It’s the “first gift of Christ” and essential for creating harmony in a world where conflict is an all-too-common reality.

He encouraged all the diplomats to keep this in mind as they work toward a more just and truthful world, emphasizing that peace is the foundation upon which true justice and honesty can flourish.