Wednesday, December 12th saw Pope Leo XIV urge members of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group to defend Europe’s Christian heritage, protect human dignity “from conception to natural death,” and uphold civil debate rooted in respect, conscience, and faith.
Speaking in Rome during the ECR Group’s conference, the pontiff welcomed the delegation and thanked its members for their public service, reminding them that political office carries a responsibility to serve the common good—especially society’s most vulnerable.
“Having a high role in society brings with it the duty to promote the common good,” Leo said, encouraging lawmakers not to forget those “at the margins,” whom Christ called “the least among us.”
The Pope praised the role of democratic parliaments in allowing a wide range of opinions to be expressed, but stressed that disagreement must be conducted with mutual respect. Civil society, he said, is defined not by uniformity of thought but by the ability to debate differences with courtesy and dignity.
As a model for political life, Leo pointed the delegation to St. Thomas More—the patron saint of politicians—citing his “wisdom, courage, and defence of conscience” as a timeless inspiration.
A central theme of the address was Europe’s Christian identity. Echoing his recent predecessors, the Pope said Europe “can only be fully understood and promoted in reference to its Judeo-Christian roots.” He cautioned that protecting this heritage is not merely about preserving customs or defending Christian communities’ legal rights, but about recognising Christianity’s foundational role in shaping European civilisation.
Leo pointed to Europe’s cathedrals, artistic and musical traditions, scientific progress, and the rise of universities as evidence of the deep historical bond between Christianity and European history:
These developments create an intrinsic link between Christianity and the European story…. a history that must be appreciated and celebrated.
The pontiff also underlined the ethical and intellectual legacy of Christian Europe, which he described as essential for safeguarding God-given rights and the inherent dignity of every human person. He explicitly affirmed the protection of human life “from conception to natural death” as a cornerstone of that legacy.
Linking these principles to contemporary challenges, including poverty, social exclusion, economic hardship, climate crisis, violence, and ongoing wars, the Pope argued that ensuring the Church’s voice remains present in public life—particularly through its social doctrine—is not about returning to the past but preserving vital moral resources for Europe’s future.
Referring to Pope Benedict XVI’s 2010 address at Westminster Hall, Leo reaffirmed the need for sustained dialogue between faith and reason, and between secular society and religious belief. Such dialogue, he said, plays a “mutually purifying” role that protects both sides from distortion.
While Leo closed by assuring the ECR members of his prayers and invoking God’s blessing of “wisdom, joy, and peace” upon them and their families, the meeting may well add to the speculation about his underlying political outlook.
