Pope Leo XIV warned diplomats that an "Orwellian-style" language is taking hold in the West and is narrowing the space for free expression and conscience, even in democracies. He condemned "jihadist violence," citing attacks across Bangladesh, the Sahel, Nigeria, Damascus (the Saint Elias parish attack) and Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. The pope said more than 380 million believers face persecution worldwide and noted that over 16 million Christians have been displaced in sub-Saharan Africa. He urged coordinated moral and political action to protect pluralism and vulnerable communities.
Pope Leo XIV Warns 'Orwellian-Style' Language Is Shrinking Free Speech, Condemns Jihadist Violence
During an address to members of the diplomatic corps, Pope Leo XIV warned that woke ideology is taking root in the West and undermining free speech.
Pope Leo XIV addressed members of the diplomatic corps on Friday, warning that an "Orwellian-style" ideology is taking root in Western societies and narrowing the space for genuine freedom of expression. He also condemned jihadist violence and highlighted the global persecution of Christians, calling for renewed moral and political attention to both threats.
Freedom of Expression and Conscience
"It is painful to see how, especially in the West, the space for genuine freedom of expression is rapidly shrinking," the pope said. "A new Orwellian-style language is developing which, in an attempt to be increasingly inclusive, ends up excluding those who do not conform to the ideologies that are fueling it."
The pontiff warned that freedom of conscience is increasingly under pressure—even in states that claim to be founded on democracy and human rights. "This freedom . . . establishes a balance between the collective interest and individual dignity," he said, arguing that pluralism and ethical dialogue are essential to prevent authoritarian tendencies and to enrich the social fabric.
Condemnation of Jihadist Violence and Persecution of Christians
People gather around the charred remains of a burned vehicle following a deadly attack in Komanda, Ituri province of eastern DR Congo, where 49 worshipers were killed at a church service by jihadists. Sunday, July 27, 2025.
Pope Leo condemned what he called "jihadist violence," and drew attention to widespread attacks and persecution affecting millions of Christians worldwide. He cited victims of religiously motivated violence in Bangladesh, across the Sahel, in Nigeria, and the June terrorist attack on the parish of Saint Elias in Damascus. He also named Cabo Delgado in Mozambique among regions suffering severe assaults.
According to the address and related reporting, the pope said that more than 380 million believers face persecution globally. Humanitarian estimates referenced in recent reporting indicate that over 16 million Christians have been displaced in sub-Saharan Africa, where some groups have faced kidnapping, sexual violence, the burning of churches and homes, and, in documented cases, beheadings attributed to ISIS-aligned fighters.
Call to Action
Pope Leo framed these issues as interconnected: a shrinking space for free expression and conscience in some Western nations, and brutal religious persecution in parts of Africa and the Middle East. He urged diplomatic, religious and civil leaders to respond with concerted moral, humanitarian and political measures to protect vulnerable communities and uphold pluralism and human dignity.
Reporting and estimates cited in the pope's remarks were reported by international outlets, noting documented atrocities and displacement in central and southern Africa and other regions.
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