Pope denounces abortion, warns against surrogacy as exploitation of mothers and children

Pope Leo XIV denounced abortion and called surrogacy a violation of the dignity of both mother and child during remarks to members of the diplomatic corps on Friday.

"In light of this profound vision of life as a gift to be cherished, and of the family as its responsible guardian, we categorically reject any practice that denies or exploits the origin of life and its development," Pope Leo said.

"Among these is abortion, which cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life," the pope said.