Pope Leo Condemns Abortion: Protect People “From Conception to Natural Death”

Pope Leo XIV urged European conservative politicians on Wednesday to champion the continent’s Christian heritage as a bulwark for human dignity, explicitly calling for the protection of every person “from conception to natural death” in a pointed rebuke of abortion.

Speaking to a delegation from the European Conservatives and Reformists Group of the European Parliament in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the pontiff emphasized that Europe’s identity is inseparable from its Judeo-Christian roots, which have yielded “important developments in Western civilization” such as towering cathedrals, sublime art and music, advances in science and the growth of universities.“

The purpose of protecting the religious legacy of this continent … is not simply to safeguard the rights of its Christian communities, nor is it primarily a question of preserving particular social customs or traditions,” Leo said. “It is above all a recognition of fact. Moreover, everyone is a beneficiary of the contribution that the members of the Christian communities have made and continue to make for the good of European society.”

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The pope tied this heritage directly to ethical imperatives, stating that its “rich ethical principles and patterns of thought” are “essential for safeguarding the divinely bestowed rights and inherent worth of every human person, from conception to natural death.”

The remark underscored the Catholic Church’s longstanding opposition to killing babies, framing it as a fundamental violation of human dignity rooted in Christian teaching.

Pope Leo addressed the lawmakers as “democratically elected officials” who “reflect a range of views,” but stressed that “the mark of any civilized society is that differences are debated with courtesy and respect.”

He added, “This bears witness to our reverence for the God-given dignity of all men and women.”

In a call to action, the pope invoked St. Thomas More, the 16th-century English martyr and patron saint of politicians, as a model of “wisdom, courage and defense of conscience.”

“I invite you, then, to look to Saint Thomas More … whose wisdom, courage and defense of conscience are a timeless inspiration,” he said.

Pope Leo’s emphasis on life issues aligns with the Church’s doctrine, which views abortion as a grave moral evil.

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