Pope Leo XIV condemns Iran executions, defends Vatican diplomacy, urges peace, addresses migration and LGBTQ+ division after Africa trip.
Newsroom (24/04/2026 Gaudium Press) Pope Leo XIV condemned executions in Iran, defended the Holy See’s engagement with authoritarian governments, and said the Church should not let sexual issues determine its unity after his return flight from Africa. Speaking aboard the April 23 ITA Airways flight from Malabo to Rome, he also renewed his appeal for dialogue, peace, and protection of human life.
The pope used the in-flight press conference to frame his Africa journey as first and foremost a pastoral visit to meet people, proclaim the Gospel, and accompany communities in their suffering. He said the presence of the pope in any country can be interpreted in different ways, but insisted that papal travel is not mainly about political signaling.
Leo said the Holy See maintains diplomatic relations, including with authoritarian regimes, in order to do behind-the-scenes work on justice, humanitarian concerns, political prisoners, hunger, and sickness. He argued that neutrality and sustained engagement can help improve lives on the ground rather than merely producing public condemnations.
Iran and war
On Iran, Leo condemned the taking of human life and rejected capital punishment, saying human life must be respected and protected “from conception to natural death”. He said that when governments make decisions that unjustly take lives, those actions should be condemned.
He also urged continuation of dialogue for peace, warning that violent responses have already caused the deaths of many innocent people. Describing the situation as “very complex,” he said the wider conflict has created chaos for the global economy and severe suffering for ordinary Iranians.
Migration and dignity
Leo called migration a “global phenomenon,” not a problem limited to Europe, Spain, or the United States. He asked what wealthy countries are doing to help poorer nations where young people see little future, and said migration often reflects deeper failures in development, opportunity, and justice.
At the same time, he said states have the right to regulate borders and should avoid disorder that can create further injustice. He stressed that migrants remain human beings who deserve respect and humane treatment, not demeaning or abusive handling.
LGBTQ+ unity
Asked about LGBTQ+ questions and blessings for same-sex couples, the pope said the Church’s unity or division should not revolve around sexuality. He said bigger issues should take priority, including justice, equality, freedom of religion, and the freedom of men and women.
Leo said the Holy See has already made clear that it does not agree with formalized blessings of couples in irregular situations, beyond the general blessing offered to all people. He added that extending the debate further would likely create more disunity than unity, and said the Church should build around Jesus Christ and his teaching.
Africa visit
The pope concluded an 11-day journey that took him to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. He acknowledged criticism that meeting authoritarian leaders could be seen as conferring legitimacy, but said such encounters also allow space for dialogue and quiet diplomacy.
Leo said his deepest aim remained direct contact with the faithful, describing the trip to Equatorial Guinea as a blessing and saying the visit was meant above all to announce the Gospel and draw close to people in their joy and suffering.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Crux Now and Vatican News
Related Images:
