Pope Leo XIV at Quirinale urges peace, multilateralism, family support, migrant hospitality, and environmental care, praising Italy’s aid for Gaza’s children.
Newsroom (14/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a historic visit to the Quirinale Palace, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful address centered on peace, multilateralism, support for families amid Europe’s “significant decline” in birth rates, care for creation, migrant hospitality, and gratitude for Italy’s role in organizing the Jubilee. Speaking before Italian President Sergio Mattarella, the Pontiff praised Italy’s efforts to alleviate suffering caused by war and poverty, particularly for the children of Gaza.
Addressing the audience in the Salone delle Feste, Pope Leo XIV urged the world to heed the cries of those “overwhelmed by the irrational ferocity of those who mercilessly plan death and destruction” in the numerous conflicts ravaging the planet. He renewed the impassioned appeal of St. Paul VI from the first World Day of Peace message in 1968:
“Let us continue to work to restore peace in every part of the world and increasingly cultivate and promote the principles of justice, equity, and cooperation among peoples, which are its indispensable foundation.”
The Pope recalled the words of his predecessors, from Benedict XV to Pius XII, and St. John XXIII’s Pacem in Terris: “Every human being is a person, endowed with intelligence and free will; and therefore is a subject of rights and duties that flow directly and simultaneously from their very nature: rights and duties that are universal, inviolable, inalienable.”
Gratitude for Italy’s Support for Gaza’s Children Following President Mattarella’s address, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude for “the Italian government’s commitment to addressing numerous situations of hardship linked to war and poverty, particularly for the children of Gaza, in collaboration with the Bambino Gesù Hospital.” These efforts, he said, are “powerful and effective contributions to building a dignified, peaceful, and prosperous coexistence for all members of the human family.”
Multilateralism as a Key to Conflict Resolution The Pontiff emphasized the importance of multilateralism, a value long championed by both Italy and the Holy See, in tackling today’s complex global challenges. Citing Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti and his recent address to the Diplomatic Corps, he called for transparent dialogue and shared solutions to resolve conflicts and foster development, warning against ambiguities that fuel division.
Supporting Families Amid Europe’s Demographic Crisis Highlighting Europe’s declining birth rates, Pope Leo XIV stressed the need to support families through policies that promote their values, protect their rights, and ensure access to dignified work under equitable conditions. “Let us do everything possible to give families, especially young families, confidence to look to the future with serenity and raise their children in harmony,” he urged, noting Italy’s tradition of cherishing the “domestic community” with love, respect, and dedication.
Protecting Life and Welcoming Migrants The Pope underscored the sanctity of life “at all stages, from conception to old age until the moment of death,” advocating for greater access to healthcare and medicines. He commended Italy’s “great generosity” in welcoming migrants and combating human trafficking, encouraging the nation to maintain its openness and solidarity. However, he also called for constructive integration, emphasizing that mutual respect for cultural identities enriches societies. “The more we serenely recognize and love who we are,” he said, “the easier it is to encounter and integrate others without fear and with an open heart.”
St. Francis and Care for Our Common Home As the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s death approaches on October 3, 2026, the Pope highlighted the “urgent issue” of environmental stewardship. Referencing Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, he described St. Francis’ message from Italy’s “geographic heart” as a call to honor the Creator by respecting all creation. “Italy has a special mission to share a culture that sees the earth as a sister with whom we share existence and a beautiful mother who welcomes us in her arms,” he said.
A Deep Bond Between the Holy See and Italy Pope Leo XIV opened his speech by affirming the “strong bond” uniting the Holy See and the Italian people, rooted in Italy’s rich religious and cultural heritage. He praised the “sincere friendship and fruitful collaboration” between the two, evident in Italy’s churches and bell towers—testaments to the nation’s “innate creativity” and “genuine, solid faith.”
Thanks for Support After Pope Francis’ Death and During the Jubilee The Pontiff expressed gratitude for Italy’s support following the death of Pope Francis, who had declared his “roots” in Italy during his 2017 Quirinale visit. Pope Leo XIV also thanked President Mattarella and the nation for their “warm welcome and efficient organization” during the ongoing Jubilee Year, dedicated to hope. This collaboration, he said, is a “sign of hope” for pilgrims crossing the Holy Door and praying at the tombs of St. Peter and the Apostles.
Rejecting Uniform Models, Embracing Tradition In closing, the Pope voiced concern over modern tendencies to undervalue the cultural and historical values inherited from past generations. Quoting Cardinal Ratzinger’s 2005 homily, he warned against “uniform and fluid models” that promise freedom but foster dependency on fleeting trends or commercial strategies. Instead, he urged Italians to cherish their traditions and rediscover their “immense, often humble and hidden, wealth” to face the future with awareness and responsibility.
A Historic Encounter This was the third meeting between Pope Leo XIV and President Mattarella, following the latter’s attendance at the Pope’s inaugural Mass on May 18 and their first audience in the Vatican on June 6. The Quirinale visit, the sixth by a pope since the Italian Republic’s founding, began with a ceremonial journey from the Vatican through Rome’s heart, escorted by Italian officials and Corazzieri. At the Quirinale, Mattarella welcomed the Pope with military honors and the national anthems, followed by a private meeting and gift exchange, including a Vatican mosaic of the Colosseum from Leo XIV and a 17th-century etching from Mattarella. The visit concluded with prayers in the Cappella dell’Annunziata and a tour of the Cappella Paolina, symbolizing the enduring partnership between the Holy See and Italy.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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