LIVE: Pope Leo gives annual 'State of the World' address

Diplomatic Corps Address to Pope Leo XIV - Transcript Summary

Key Concepts:

• City of God vs. City of Earth: Augustinian philosophical framework distinguishing between eternal spiritual reality and temporal earthly existence.
• Multilateralism & Diplomacy: The importance of dialogue, consensus-building, and international cooperation in resolving conflicts.
• Human Dignity & Rights: The inalienable rights of all individuals, including migrants, prisoners, and the unborn, and the need for their protection.
• Peace as Construction, Not Just Absence of War: The active and continuous effort required to build and maintain peace, beyond simply ceasing hostilities.
• Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence: The need for regulation and ethical considerations in the development and application of AI.
• Religious Freedom & Conscience: The fundamental importance of protecting religious freedom and the right to conscientious objection.
• Jubilee Year 2025 & Renewal: The significance of the recently concluded Jubilee year as a period of spiritual renewal and outreach.

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I. Opening Remarks & Gratitude (Dean of the Diplomatic Corps)

The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps extended greetings to Pope Leo XIV on behalf of the accredited missions, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to meet and reaffirm their shared commitment to peace. He acknowledged the recent transition in the papacy, expressing sorrow at the passing of Pope Francis and joy at the election of Pope Leo XIV. The Dean specifically recalled the emotional impact of the papal transition, detailing the public response to Pope Francis’s death and the subsequent election of Pope Leo XIV, noting the hopeful atmosphere surrounding the new pontiff’s inaugural address which offered “a message of calm to the anxieties of so many.” He highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on “peace…unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering,” referencing its inclusion in the message for the World Day of Peace. He also recalled the Pope’s journeys to Turkey and Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and dialogue, particularly in the context of the Mediterranean region. The Dean also acknowledged the importance of humanitarian corridors and the need to welcome refugees with dignity. He drew a parallel between the challenges faced by Pope Leo XIII and those of the current pontiff, specifically the risks associated with technological advancements like artificial intelligence, stressing the need for ethical regulation. Finally, he expressed condolences for the tragic accident in Contana, Switzerland, and voiced support for the Venezuelan people.

II. Papal Address: Reflections on Current Global Challenges

Pope Leo XIV began by thanking the Dean for his kind words and welcoming the new heads of mission from Kazakhstan, Burundi, and Belarus. He then addressed the turbulent state of the world, acknowledging the significant events of the past year, including the passing of Pope Francis and the conclusion of the Jubilee Year 2025. He emphasized the Jubilee as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and a call to authentic closeness, referencing Pope Francis’s Fratelli Tutti and the commitment to social charity and fraternity.

III. The Augustinian Framework: City of God & City of Earth

A central theme of the Pope’s address was the application of St. Augustine’s philosophy of the “City of God” and the “City of Earth” to contemporary challenges. He explained that the “City of God” represents eternal love and concern for the poor, while the “City of Earth” embodies pride, self-love, and the pursuit of worldly power. He clarified that these cities coexist and that Christians are called to live in the earthly city with their hearts oriented towards the heavenly one. He stressed that this framework isn’t a political program but a reflection on the search for a just and peaceful coexistence. He noted the relevance of Augustine’s work in the face of contemporary challenges like migratory movements and geopolitical shifts, describing the current era as “not in an era of change but in a change of era.”

IV. The Erosion of Multilateralism & the Return of War

Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern over the weakening of multilateralism and the resurgence of war, noting the undermining of the principle prohibiting the use of force against national borders. He criticized the pursuit of peace through weapons, arguing that it threatens the rule of law. He quoted St. Augustine, stating that even those who wage war ultimately desire peace, but a peace that suits their own interests. He lamented the decline of the United Nations, established to prevent future global catastrophes, and emphasized the importance of international humanitarian law, which must prevail over military interests. He specifically mentioned the ongoing war in Ukraine, calling for an immediate ceasefire and dialogue.

V. Human Rights & the Short Circuit of Values

The Pope addressed a perceived “short circuit” in the understanding and application of human rights. He argued that rights like freedom of expression, conscience, and life are being restricted in the name of “new rights,” leading to a loss of vitality in the human rights framework and creating space for force and oppression. He specifically defended freedom of conscience and religious freedom, noting the increasing persecution of Christians worldwide (affecting over 380 million believers) and the rise in violations of religious freedom (64% of the world’s population). He condemned anti-Semitism and reaffirmed the importance of Jewish-Christian dialogue. He also highlighted the importance of protecting the unborn, criticizing projects that finance cross-border access to abortion and advocating for support for mothers and families. He also condemned surrogacy as a violation of the dignity of both the child and the mother.

VI. Migration, Prisoners, & Vulnerable Populations

Pope Leo XIV reiterated the Holy See’s commitment to protecting the dignity of all migrants and refugees, emphasizing that they are individuals with inalienable rights. He urged states to avoid policies that undermine this dignity in the name of security. He also called for humane treatment of prisoners, advocating for proportionate penalties, dignified conditions, and the abolition of the death penalty. He expressed gratitude to governments that granted clemency during the Jubilee year and encouraged continued efforts to support prisoners’ rehabilitation.

VII. The Family & the Sanctity of Life

The Pope emphasized the central role of the family, noting its institutional marginalization and the challenges it faces, including domestic violence. He stressed the importance of protecting unborn life and condemned abortion as a denial of the gift of life. He also expressed concern about the declining birth rates in many countries.

VIII. The Need for Authentic Dialogue & Meaningful Language

Pope Leo XIV warned against the erosion of language and the ambiguity of concepts, arguing that this hinders authentic dialogue and creates a breeding ground for deception and conflict. He quoted St. Augustine, illustrating the difficulty of communication when individuals lack a shared language. He called for a return to clear and unambiguous language in all spheres of life, including politics, media, and international relations. He also cautioned against the development of an “Orwellian” style language that excludes those who do not conform to prevailing ideologies.

IX. Concluding Remarks & Call to Peace

The Pope concluded by reiterating the importance of seeking peace through humility, courage, forgiveness, and a commitment to the “City of God.” He cited examples of positive developments, such as the Dayton Accords and the peace declaration between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as seeds of hope. He invoked the example of St. Francis of Assisi as a model of peace and dialogue, and wished all present a new year filled with courage and a commitment to building a more just and peaceful world.

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Synthesis/Conclusion:

Pope Leo XIV’s address was a comprehensive reflection on the state of the world, framed by the Augustinian concept of the “City of God” and the “City of Earth.” He underscored the importance of multilateralism, human dignity, and the pursuit of peace through dialogue and reconciliation. He issued a strong defense of fundamental rights, particularly religious freedom and the right to life, and warned against the erosion of language and the dangers of ideological conformity. The address served as a call to action for the diplomatic corps to promote peace, justice, and human flourishing in a world facing unprecedented challenges. The Pope’s emphasis on the need for ethical considerations in the face of technological advancements and the importance of a return to meaningful dialogue were particularly salient takeaways.