Pope Leo XIV on Sunday reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s traditional teachings on marriage and abortion, calling marriage “the canon of true love between man and woman” during a Mass for the Jubilee of Families in St. Peter’s Square.

“Marriage is not an ideal, but the canon of true love between man and woman,” the pope said in his homily on 1 June.

He also warned against the misuse of personal freedom, saying, “Humanity is betrayed … whenever freedom is invoked not to give life, but to take it away.”

The remarks followed his earlier message to global diplomats, where he restated the Church’s long-held position that heterosexual marriage is the foundation of society. On that occasion, he also reiterated the Vatican’s stance against abortion.

While Pope Leo XIV maintains continuity with his predecessor, Pope Francis, on doctrinal issues such as opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion, Francis’ more inclusive tone on LGBTQ issues drew backlash from conservative Catholics. .