Pope Leo XIV Condemns Abortion, Surrogacy, and Euthanasia in New Year Address

Pope Leo XIV strongly condemned abortion, surrogacy, and euthanasia in his traditional New Year address to the diplomatic corps at the Vatican on Friday, attended by Andorra’s ambassador Carles Álvarez. The pontiff rejected “categorically any practice that denies or exploits the origin of life and its development,” specifying that abortion interrupts a growing life and refuses the gift of life. He also opposed surrogacy for commodifying children and exploiting women, while promoting palliative care over euthanasia.

The remarks have sharpened debate over Andorra’s push to decriminalise abortion while preserving the co-principality. Government officials downplayed the impact, insisting negotiations with the Vatican and Episcopal Co-Prince Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat remain open. Interior Minister Conxita Marsol, appearing on RTVA, described the statements as “manifestacions contundents” but reaffirmed the executive’s commitment to balancing women’s rights with the institutional framework. Sources close to the talks expressed confidence that dialogue persists despite delays, noting Serrano’s recent addresses emphasised accompanying those in difficult situations, including women facing crises.

Opposition responses varied. Concòrdia’s Núria Segués expressed surprise and frustration, questioning the government’s handling of talks after two years and a perceived stall when progress seemed possible. She pledged to keep pressing for women’s right to decide over their bodies. Social Democrats’ Susanna Vela called the speech a “very hard discourse anchored to the right,” warning it complicates already suspended negotiations and urging politicians to prioritise women’s rights over church influence, even at institutional risk. Andorra Endavant’s Carine Montaner stressed the Pope’s position aligns with longstanding Catholic doctrine defending life from conception to natural death, seeing no novelty.

Demòcrates per Andorra similarly minimised the shift, stating the pontiff’s words have not altered ongoing dialogue or the goal of decriminalisation within constitutional bounds.

Women’s groups voiced disappointment but urged action. Associació de Dones president Geli noted a setback under Leo XIV after perceived advances previously, calling on the government to press ahead with negotiations and secure decriminalisation in at least three cases: rape, foetal malformation, and maternal health risks. Acció Feminista’s Laia Ferrer Marot highlighted the church’s unchanging stance, contrasting it with France’s constitutional protections under Co-Prince Emmanuel Macron, and demanded national steps to guarantee the right locally, deeming decriminalisation alone insufficient.

Recent updates confirm no breakdown in talks, though Prime Minister Xavier Espot’s September forecast for parliamentary debate by late 2025 did not occur, and Serrano’s Christmas address sidestepped the issue.