Pope Leo tells diplomats the dignity of migrants must be respected

VATICAN CITY, May 16 (Reuters) - Pope Leo XIV, in his first address to world diplomats at the Vatican, said on Friday that the dignity of migrants had to be respected, while also calling on nations to halt the production of weapons and prioritize peace efforts.

The U.S. pope described himself as a "descendant of immigrants" and called for compassion and solidarity with displaced persons.

Pope Leo also used his speech to restate the Church's traditional teaching on marriage, affirming that it is a "stable union between a man and a woman" and underscoring the importance of family as a foundation for harmony in society.