Wojciech Rogacin – Vatican
Regarding same-sex couples, Leo XIV confirms that the Holy See does not agree with the formal blessing adopted in Germany, but emphasizes the principle of welcoming “all, all, all”. The Pope also spoke about how to treat migrants. – reports Vatican News.
Summing up his visit to Africa, Leo XIV stated that an apostolic journey is primarily about proclaiming the Gospel. He admitted that the Pope’s visit is often commented on in a political context, what the Pope says in a given country, whether he evaluates governments or not, but that is not the “first word”.
“The journey should be interpreted primarily as an expression of the desire to proclaim the Gospel, to convey the message of Jesus Christ. It is a way to get closer to people – in their joy, in the depths of their lives, but also in their suffering,” said Leo XIV, indicating that sometimes it is necessary to seek ways to encourage people themselves to take responsibility for their lives.
He added that discussions with heads of state are meant to encourage a certain change in mentality, greater openness to the common good, and reflection on issues such as the distribution of goods in a given country.
“I carry a photo of a murdered boy”
Answering a question about the conflict in Iran and whether he would like a change of regime in that country, Leo XIV began with a fundamental issue: “we must promote a new attitude, a culture of peace.”
He pointed out that often the first reaction to various situations in the world is an attack. And then many innocent people die. “I just read a letter – perhaps you saw it too – from the families of children who died on the first day of the attack. They write about losing their sons, daughters, children who died. The question is not whether the regime will change or not. The question is: how to promote the values we believe in, excluding the death of so many innocent people,” said the Pope.
Pointing to the complexity of the situation in Iran and the instability of current peace negotiations, he said that the threat of war must be stopped and international law respected. “It is very important to protect the innocent – and in many places, this is not happening. I carry with me a photo of a Muslim boy who, during my visit to Lebanon, waited with a banner ‘Welcome Pope Leo’, and then – in the final phase of the conflict – was killed,” said Leo XIV. “As a pastor, I cannot be for war,” he added.
Protection of life from conception to natural death
Asked what message he had for the Iranian regime after reports of today’s latest execution of an opposition activist in that country, Leo XIV replied that he condemned all actions that are unjust. “I condemn taking human lives, I condemn the death penalty. I believe that human life should be respected and that all people – from conception until natural death – should be protected and respected in their lives.” He stated that when a regime or state makes decisions that unjustly deprive people of life, it is, of course, something to be condemned.
Migration – what does the North do for the South?
Spanish-speaking journalists asked the Pope for a message to Catholics on the issue of migration, which is an important issue in Spain. Leo XIV emphasized that this issue concerns not only Europe but also North America; it is a global phenomenon.
“My answer begins with a question: what is the global North doing to help the global South, that is, countries where young people today see no future?” said the Holy Father.
He added that very often the North has no answer on how to create adequate opportunities for people locally, in the South.
The Pope stated that, in his opinion, a state has the right to establish rules regarding its borders. “I am not saying that everyone should enter without any order, sometimes creating situations in destination places that are more unjust than those they left. But still, I ask: what are we doing in richer countries to change the situation in poorer countries?” asked Leo XIV.
He pointed out that Africa, for many, is a place from which minerals and wealth can be taken for other countries. He therefore indicated that much more should be done at a global level to promote justice and equality in the development of countries in the South, so that emigration is not necessary. He added that the issue of human trafficking also arises in the context of migration.
The Holy Father strongly emphasized a particularly important issue: “in every case, these are human beings, and we must treat people humanely, and not often worse than animals.”
Same-sex couples: do not exceed the Church’s recommendations
Dziennikarka z Niemiec zapytała Ojca Świętego o ocenę decyzji kard. Reinharda Marxa, arcybiskupa Monachium i Fryzyngi, dotyczącą udzielenia zgody na błogosławienie par jednopłciowych w jego diecezji. Pytała o to szczególnie w kontekście zachowania jedności Kościoła.
Leo XIV replied that it is very important to understand that unity or divisions in the Church should not focus on sexual issues. “We tend to think that when the Church speaks of morality, its only subject is sexuality. In reality, however, there are much larger and more important issues, such as justice, equality, the freedom of men and women, and religious freedom, which should take precedence over this particular matter,” said the Pope.
He added that the Holy See has already spoken with the German bishops and clearly stated that it does not agree to the formalized blessing of same-sex couples or couples in irregular situations, beyond what has been explicitly permitted by Pope Francis, namely that all people can receive a blessing. Just as when a priest blesses everyone at the end of Mass.
“Francis’ famous phrase ‘tutti, tutti, tutti’ expresses the Church’s conviction that all are welcomed, all are invited, all are called to follow Jesus and to seek conversion in their lives,” said Leo XIV.
“Going beyond this level – in my opinion – may today lead more to divisions than to unity. Therefore, we should seek ways to build unity on Jesus Christ and on what Jesus Christ teaches. This is my answer to this question.” – added the Holy Father.
Vatican diplomacy towards regimes
A journalist from France, in turn, asked whether he was not concerned that the Pope’s presence alongside leaders of authoritarian countries did not, to some extent, legitimize their power.
The Pope replied that it can indeed be interpreted in various ways, however – as he mentioned at the beginning – an apostolic journey is primarily aimed at meeting people in those countries. He also emphasized the great value of the system according to which “the Holy See – often at the cost of great sacrifices – maintains diplomatic relations with countries around the world.”
Sometimes these are relations with states ruled by authoritarian leaders, but this provides an opportunity to speak with them on a diplomatic level, in a formal way. The Pope added that declarations or criticisms are not always made publicly, but “a lot of work is done behind the scenes: to promote justice, support humanitarian actions, seek solutions in situations such as political prisoners – to find a way to their release – or problems of hunger, disease, and other difficulties.”
And the Holy See, by maintaining diplomatic relations with many countries, is actually trying to apply the Gospel to improve people’s lives.
