Pope Leo XIV tells soldiers: It is noble to defend the sovereignty of your homeland

Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the nobility of a soldier’s mission to defend one’s homeland and uphold the rule of law.

The pontiff held a private audience on Aug. 24 at the Vatican with a delegation from the Military Ordinariate of Portugal, which celebrated 60 years since its establishment in 1966. The delegation included members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, National Republican Guard, and Public Security Police.

Leo, in his remarks, remembered two Portuguese soldiers who were killed on Aug. 21 in a car accident while helping a truck driver with a flat tire.

‘Remain firm in defending your homeland’

The pope also urged the Christian soldiers present to remain steadfast in their mission to protect their citizens, citing the Roman centurion at Capernaum, who asked Jesus for a miracle for his servant.

“Every day, each of you has the noble mission of defending the sovereignty of your homeland and the rule of law, safeguarding the security of your fellow citizens and protecting them from injustice,” Leo said. “Be strong in the Lord like the centurion who, in Capernaum, approached Jesus. He knew well the values by which you shape your lives: obedience, discipline, self-denial, loyalty, camaraderie, dedication, responsibility, and courage.”

The pope also highlighted the need for military personnel to remain humble, as the Roman centurion was.

“If, on the one hand, this soldier was aware of his authority, on the other hand, he showed before the Son of God the strength of faith and the courage of humility,” Leo said.

Past addresses to the military

Leo has held other private audiences with military personnel, most recently meeting with the Military Ordinariate of Italy in March, during which he declared that soldiers must work to promote peace.

The pope and the Holy See have also criticized certain military actions as unjust, including those by the United States in its war with Iran. In his Palm Sunday homily in March, he sharply condemned war and the use of religion to justify violence, saying that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.”