Pope Leo vows not to be ‘bystander’ to human rights abuses
Pope Leo XIV has declared that he will not allow the Holy See to be a “silent bystander” in the face of human rights abuses and grave injustices around the world. Speaking to a group of new ambassadors to the Vatican, the pontiff said the Church cannot stand aside while people suffer from violent conflicts, political repression, deep inequality and violations of fundamental human dignity. He stressed that the Holy See will continue to raise its voice on issues such as wars, persecution, poverty and attacks on the rule of law, insisting that peace requires concrete action whenever human dignity is threatened. Pope Leo’s comments are seen as part of a broader stance he has taken since his election, which includes strong appeals for a ceasefire in Gaza, condemnation of abuses of power and a call for zero tolerance toward […]