In a recent foreign policy address to ambassadors accredited to the Holy See, Pope Francis urged for a global prohibition on surrogate motherhood, condemning it as a “despicable” practice and highlighting the “commercialization” of pregnancy. The pontiff expressed concern over the state of global peace and human dignity, citing major conflicts like Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict, migration issues, and climate crises.
While addressing larger geopolitical concerns, Pope Francis also identified smaller-scale threats to peace, including his strong opposition to surrogacy.
He emphasized the need to protect the unborn child’s life, denouncing surrogate motherhood as a violation of the dignity of both women and children due to the exploitation of vulnerable situations.
Calling on the international community, Pope Francis urged a universal prohibition of the practice. Despite some European countries, such as Spain and Italy, already prohibiting surrogacy, the Vatican’s doctrine office has clarified its stance on baptizing children born through surrogacy, even in cases involving homosexual parents.
The Pope’s direct mention of Russia in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine marked a departure from his usual practice of avoiding direct blame, reflecting a shift in his solidarity expression with the Ukrainian people. Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, he criticized Hamas’ assault on southern Israel while acknowledging the resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by a robust Israeli military response.
The address outlined Pope Francis’s multifaceted concerns, combining global geopolitical issues with smaller-scale challenges, and emphasizing the importance of protecting human dignity and the sanctity of life.