ROME (SE): Pope Leo XIV emphasised the need for unity in the Church and a broader understanding of moral priorities, as he responded to questions from journalists aboard the papal flight returning to Rome on April 23.
Speaking after a pastoral visit to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, the pope appeared relaxed as he addressed a range of issues, including same-sex blessings, migration and diplomatic engagement with politically sensitive nations.
Responding to a question about the decision of Archbishop Reinhard Marx of Munich, to permit priests in his diocese to formalise blessings of same-sex couples, Pope Leo underscored that Church unity should not be reduced to debates over sexual morality.
“It’s very important to understand that the unity or division of the Church should not revolve around sexual matters,” he said. “We tend to think that when the Church is talking about morality, the only issue is sexual. In reality, there are much greater and more important issues, such as justice, equality, the freedom of men and women, and freedom of religion.”
The pope noted that the Holy See has already addressed the matter with the German bishops, reiterating that it does not support the formalisation of blessings for same-sex couples or those in irregular unions beyond what was previously indicated by Pope Francis.
He explained that blessings offered by the Church—such as those at the end of Mass or major liturgical celebrations—are extended to all people. Quoting Pope Francis’ oft-cited phrase “tutti, tutti, tutti” [everyone, everyone, everyone], Pope Leo affirmed that all are welcome in the Church and invited to follow Christ and seek conversion.
At the same time, he cautioned against developments that could deepen divisions within the Church. “To go beyond that today,” he said, “the topic can cause more disunity than unity. We should look for ways to build our unity upon Jesus Christ and what he teaches.”
Pope Leo’s remarks reflect his broader emphasis on peace, dialogue and ecclesial communion—priorities that have marked his pontificate to date.
The in-flight exchange formed part of a wider press conference in which the pope also addressed geopolitical concerns, including recent tensions involving Iran, as well as questions related to migration and engagement with countries facing political challenges.
