Pope Leo XIV tells soldiers: It is noble to defend the sovereignty of your homeland
Pope Leo XIV met with a delegation from the Portuguese Military Ordinariate to discuss the moral importance of defending one's homeland. The Pope emphasized the virtues of humility, discipline, and service for military personnel.
Why it matters
Reflects the Vatican's ongoing engagement with global military institutions and its stance on the ethics of national defense.
Pope Leo XIV receives in private audience a delegation from the International Military Ordinariate of Portugal at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican on Aug. 24, 2026. VATICAN MEDIA
VATICAN— 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.
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