In his first formal address to Roman Catholic cardinals, Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis, affirmed his commitment to guiding the Church towards modernization with an emphasis on social justice and missionary outreach. Speaking from Vatican City, Leo pledged to build upon the foundational work established by Francis, particularly through the significant 2013 document Evangelii Gaudium, which lays out the Church’s priorities in fostering relationships with marginalized individuals and addressing contemporary issues.
Leo cited specific goals from this document, such as promoting “growth in collegiality,” an emphasis on “loving care for the least and the rejected,” and initiating “courageous and trusting dialogue with the contemporary world.” His focus on these themes, he said, underscores a continuity in the Catholic Church’s trajectory that began in the 1960s.
The new pope elaborated on his choice of the name Leo, referencing the influential encyclical Rerum Novarum by Pope Leo XIII, which tackled social justice issues during the industrial revolution. He remarked that we are now facing a new industrial revolution marked by advancements in artificial intelligence, which presents fresh challenges for human dignity, justice, and labor.
The urgency of these topics resonated throughout the meeting, as Leo recognized the Church’s mission to provide its teachings in light of these modern challenges. He expressed admiration for his predecessor, describing Francis as a “humble servant” whose dedication to service and simplicity serves as a guiding example.
Cardinals present at the meeting resonated with Leo’s message of continuity, with Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo noting the pope's focus on maintaining Francis's vision. Cardinal Sean Brady commented on Leo's approachable nature, as he took time to greet everyone after the session.
With this inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV establishes a clear agenda for his papacy, underlining a commitment to social justice while fostering connections with the modern world. The stage is set for a transformative continuation of the Church's mission in a rapidly evolving society, balancing tradition with the pressing needs of the present.
Leo cited specific goals from this document, such as promoting “growth in collegiality,” an emphasis on “loving care for the least and the rejected,” and initiating “courageous and trusting dialogue with the contemporary world.” His focus on these themes, he said, underscores a continuity in the Catholic Church’s trajectory that began in the 1960s.
The new pope elaborated on his choice of the name Leo, referencing the influential encyclical Rerum Novarum by Pope Leo XIII, which tackled social justice issues during the industrial revolution. He remarked that we are now facing a new industrial revolution marked by advancements in artificial intelligence, which presents fresh challenges for human dignity, justice, and labor.
The urgency of these topics resonated throughout the meeting, as Leo recognized the Church’s mission to provide its teachings in light of these modern challenges. He expressed admiration for his predecessor, describing Francis as a “humble servant” whose dedication to service and simplicity serves as a guiding example.
Cardinals present at the meeting resonated with Leo’s message of continuity, with Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo noting the pope's focus on maintaining Francis's vision. Cardinal Sean Brady commented on Leo's approachable nature, as he took time to greet everyone after the session.
With this inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV establishes a clear agenda for his papacy, underlining a commitment to social justice while fostering connections with the modern world. The stage is set for a transformative continuation of the Church's mission in a rapidly evolving society, balancing tradition with the pressing needs of the present.
