Pope Leo XIV Urges Reaffirmation of God's Creation
The pope called on Catholics to affirm that God created human beings male and female, in remarks delivered in Lima, Peru.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Catholicism
Live Poll
Do you think traditional gender roles in families should be reaffirmed?
Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics to reaffirm that God created human beings male and female, speaking to a crowd in Lima, Peru, on Thursday. The Vatican's position holds that gender cannot be separated from biological sex.
Why it matters
The pope said cultural changes have altered the traditional roles of men and women, and his remarks reinforce the Church's position on gender at a time of ongoing debate. The statement signals continuity with the Vatican's official doctrine on the matter.
The remarks were quoted from the Vatican's official English translation and delivered in Lima, Peru. The pope's position builds on the 2024 Vatican declaration Dignitas Infinita, which addressed gender theory.
The players
Pope Leo XIV
The head of the Catholic Church, who has led the Vatican since his election and who previously served as bishop of Chiclayo in Peru.
The details
The pope cited the Book of Genesis and linked the union of a man and a woman to fatherhood and motherhood. He said families have rights that exist before governments put them into law, and that living the truth of male and female identities does not justify an unequal sharing of domestic responsibilities. He also thanked mothers, aunts, and grandmothers who pass on their faith.
Timeline
2024: The Vatican issued the Dignitas Infinita declaration on gender theory under Pope Francis.
Before becoming pope: Leo opposed a Peruvian government plan to teach students about gender in schools while serving as bishop of Chiclayo.
Thursday, November 12, 2026: Pope Leo XIV made the remarks in Lima, Peru.
Church Doctrine
Pope Leo XIV's remarks extend the Vatican's 2024 declaration Dignitas Infinita, which addressed gender theory and affirmed that gender cannot be separated from biological sex. The statement continues a doctrinal line the Vatican has pursued under both Pope Francis and his successor.
For Catholics and families worldwide, the remarks restate the Church's teaching on the roles of men and women and on parental rights. The statement reflects doctrine that may shape how Catholic institutions and families approach questions of gender and domestic responsibility.
The takeaway
The pope's remarks show that the Church's teaching on gender and family remains a central part of its public message. Readers interested in how these doctrines are applied can follow the ongoing discussion within the Catholic community.
Further reading
For more on the Church's teaching on family and identity, explore the Catholicism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Breitbart.
Live Poll
Do you think traditional gender roles in families should be reaffirmed?
