Krzysztof Bronk – Vatican City
He assured that the speech would now be thoroughly analyzed by diplomats and politicians.
First such meeting of Leo XIV with diplomats
Adam Kwiatkowski recalls that this was Leo XIV’s first New Year’s meeting with diplomats. For the first time in history, the address to the Diplomatic Corps was delivered almost entirely in English. It is part of a series of first speeches of this pontificate. The Pope personally wanted to meet not only with the heads of diplomatic missions, but with all diplomats accredited to the Holy See.
The Pope showed what is most important to him
It was an extraordinary speech – says the Polish diplomat. – On the one hand, very long, and on the other hand, it was a message to all countries, it was like a plan of action. Leo XIV spoke about what is most important from the Pope’s perspective. He gave examples from the past, referring to the teachings of St. Augustine, and at the same time admitted that we live in difficult times, that there are more and more conflicts in the world. He pointed to flashpoints. He spoke about the persecution of Christians.
Words in defense of life strongly resonated
According to Ambassador Kwiatkowski, it was important to focus on values, on the defense of life. The Pope also related this to the situation in conflict-ridden regions. To the fact that hospitals and critical infrastructure are being destroyed, and as a result, ordinary people suffer. Meanwhile, human life should be protected. Leo XIV opposed abortion and euthanasia. These words resonated very strongly – emphasized the Polish ambassador.
New Year’s wishes from the president
At the end of the audience for the Diplomatic Corps, Adam Kwiatkowski personally greeted Leo XIV. “I conveyed to the Holy Father warm New Year’s wishes from President Karol Nawrocki, wishes from Poland. The Pope thanked very warmly for them,” added the Polish diplomat.
