Pope Leo finally talks about abortion
ADDRESS OF POPE LEO XIVTO MEMBERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS ACCREDITED TO THE HOLY SEE
Hall of Benediction
Friday, 9 January 2026
In light of these challenges, we firmly reiterate that the protection of the right to life constitutes the indispensable foundation of every other human right. A society is healthy and truly progresses only when it safeguards the sanctity of human life and works actively to promote it.
The primary objective must remain the protection of every unborn child and the effective and concrete support of every woman so that she is able to welcome life.
In light of this profound vision of life as a gift to be cherished, and of the family as its responsible guardian, we categorically reject any practice that denies or exploits the origin of life and its development. Among these is abortion, which cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life. In this regard, the Holy See expresses deep concern about projects aimed at financing cross-border mobility for the purpose of accessing the so-called “right to safe abortion.” It also considers it deplorable that public resources are allocated to suppress life, rather than being invested to support mothers and families. The primary objective must remain the protection of every unborn child and the effective and concrete support of every woman so that she is able to welcome life.