Pope Leo XIV apologizes for Holy See's roleHoly See's role in slavery
Pope Leo XIV issued a historic apology for the Holy See’s role in legitimizing slavery, according to reports published on May 25, 2026.
The statement revisits the Catholic Church’s past support for slavery and matters because it confronts a long-running moral and historical issue with global religious significance.
Vatican
The apology acknowledges that church authority was used at times to defend slavery, and it signals a formal break with that history. It also reflects a broader effort to confront past failures through public accountability.
Historical and human-rights view
Supporters see the statement as important because it recognizes the lasting harm of slavery beyond a narrow theological debate. They view it as part of a wider effort to name institutional responsibility for injustice.
- Gorée Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Catholic Church has repeatedly revisited its history on slavery and colonialism.
- Papal apologies can shape global debates far beyond the church itself.
