Families face crucial challenges today, including the right to life, Pope Leo tells diplomats

In his address to the diplomats accredited to the Holy See on Jan. 9, Pope Leo XVI spoke about the problems facing families in the world today and lamented the rise of abortion in several countries.

It was Leo’s first time to give the annual address given by pontiffs to the diplomats, and for the first time in history, it was given in English.

The pope said the Christian vocation is revealed in a “privileged and unique way” within the family.

“It is in this context...