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Pope Leo XIV Expresses Concern Over Italian Hunting Bill, LIPU Says
Pope Leo XIV has expressed concern over an Italian government bill that would expand hunting rights, according to a letter released by LIPU, the Italian bird protection society. The Pope characterized the issue as one of significant moral importance while the Vatican reaffirmed its commitment to protecting creation.
Quick Facts
Who
Pope Leo XIV
What
LIPU received a papal letter expressing concern over a hunting bill
When
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Where
Italy
- LIPU received a papal letter expressing concern over a hunting bill
- Pope characterized the issue as a matter of great social and moral importance
- Vatican committed to promoting respect and protection of creation
- Bill 1552 would make it easier to hunt animals including small birds
- Pope Leo XIV
The Italian society for the protection of birds, LIPU-BirdLife Italia, welcomed Pope Leo XIV's expressed concern over a government bill that would expand hunting rights in Italy. On Wednesday, LIPU released a letter from the Vatican Secretariat of State that responded to the organization's earlier note opposing Bill 1552 on hunting.
In the papal response, Pope Leo XIV characterized the hunting bill as "a matter of great social and moral importance," while maintaining the Holy See's stated impartiality on legislative matters of individual states. The Pope expressed his prayers that LIPU's concerns would be addressed, and assured the organization that the Vatican remains committed to promoting "respect and protection of creation."
LIPU expressed emotion and gratitude at receiving the Pope's response, viewing the papal statement as significant support for their conservation efforts. The Italian hunting bill would make it easier to hunt animals including small birds that are traditionally targeted by Italian hunters. The Vatican's statement represents a notable intervention by the Church on an environmental and animal welfare issue, even as it acknowledged the boundaries of papal involvement in national legislative processes.
Topics
Why This Matters
This intervention by the Pope on a specific national hunting bill demonstrates the Vatican's willingness to take moral stances on environmental and animal welfare issues, even while maintaining formal impartiality on legislative matters. For conservation organizations and citizens concerned about wildlife protection in Italy, the papal statement provides significant symbolic and moral support that may influence public opinion and legislative debate around the hunting bill.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WireLIPU released a Vatican letter responding to their concerns, with Pope Leo XIV expressing concern over the hunting bill