Pope Leo XIV clarified his diplomatic stance and internal church reforms on September 28, stating aboard a papal flight returning to Rome that his addresses during a visit to France aimed solely to explain Catholic doctrine rather than interfere in national politics, as reported by Inese Šteinerte.
Addressing Systemic Abuse Claims in France
During the flight from Rome, Pope Leo XIV addressed a journalist’s question regarding a meeting with seven sexual abuse survivors. According to the reporting by Inese Šteinerte, one survivor claimed in an interview that the pontiff acknowledged a “systemic” pattern of misconduct within the institution. Pope Leo XIV explained that he listened to the survivors recount systemic issues during their private encounter. “Personally, I would like to express myself differently,” Pope Leo XIV stated, noting that while some internal church organizations have committed misconduct through systemic failures, sexual abuse is fundamentally a human problem that acquires a devastating spiritual dimension inside the Church, placing a heavy healing responsibility on the institution.
Defending the Separation of Church and State
Responding to questions about whether advocating for the sanctity of life in France—following the country’s recent legalization of euthanasia—breached the principle of laïcism, Pope Leo XIV maintained that he crossed no boundaries. “I did not cross this boundary,” Pope Leo XIV said, explaining that when the Church defends life or addresses social teaching, it applies the Gospel to human lives rather than engaging in partisan politics. He emphasized that his primary purpose in visiting France was to preach the Gospel and proclaim the teachings of Jesus, rather than meddle in French governance.
Calls for Peace and Reallocating Military Spending
An ANSA correspondent asked the pontiff about his use of the phrase “illusion of rearmament” alongside appeals for peace amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, while questioning the efficacy of papal envoys like Archbishop Galagers and Cardinal Dzupi in Moscow. Pope Leo XIV responded by citing Catholic Social Teaching, which condemns violence, hatred, and the arms race. He argued that funds fueling the war industry could instead combat global hunger, homelessness, and unemployment. The pontiff stressed that the Church maintains a moral responsibility to urge leaders in Russia, Ukraine, and worldwide to choose dialogue over endless warfare.
Pope Leo XIV explains purpose of apostolic journey to France
Why did Pope Leo XIV travel to France?
Pope Leo XIV stated that his apostolic journey to France was primarily to preach the Gospel, proclaim the Good News, and explain Catholic teachings on life and social doctrine.
What is the Vatican’s position on church sexual abuse?
Pope Leo XIV acknowledged that while abuse is fundamentally a human problem, its occurrence within the Church inflicts deep spiritual wounds, creating a special obligation for the institution to support and accompany survivors toward healing.
How is the Vatican addressing the war in Ukraine?
Pope Leo XIV affirmed that the Church continues to advocate for peace, human dignity, and dialogue through papal envoys such as Archbishop Galagers and Cardinal Dzupi, urging nations to invest in healthcare and education rather than the war industry.
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