Pope Leo XIV addressed the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, emphasizing the importance of Catholic social doctrine in addressing societal issues and promoting dialogue. The Pope highlighted the need for dialogue between science and conscience to overcome polarization and build bridges within society. He connected the conference theme of overcoming polarization to the core of the Church's Social Doctrine. Pope Leo XIV described the current age as a 'polycrisis' marked by various challenges and urged the foundation to give voice to the poor and foster genuine engagement with social issues.
24 days ago
Pope Leo XIV addressed the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, emphasizing the importance of Catholic Social Teaching in navigating contemporary global challenges 1. The address, delivered on May 17, 2025, focused on overcoming polarization, promoting dialogue, and rebuilding global governance on ethical foundations 1. The Pope's message underscored the need for the Church to provide moral guidance in a world facing complex issues 5.
Pope Leo XIV stressed the importance of building bridges through dialogue and encounter 1 4. He urged the Foundation to actively contribute to uniting people in peace, emphasizing that this requires a continuous interplay of grace and freedom 1. Drawing on Pope Francis's description of the current era as a "polycrisis," marked by wars, climate change, and inequality, the Pope called for social dialogue to address these challenges 1. He noted the Church's social doctrine provides insights that facilitate dialogue between science and conscience, contributing to understanding, hope, and peace 1.
The Pope addressed the common perception of "doctrine" as a rigid set of ideas 3. He proposed understanding "doctrine" as a synonym for "science," "discipline," and "knowledge" 3 5. This reinterpretation emphasizes doctrine as a product of research, discussion, and progress, aimed at conveying reliable knowledge 3. Pope Leo XIV cautioned against "indoctrination," which stifles critical judgment, and instead advocated for training in critical thinking 1 3. He lamented the prevalence of fake news and irrational arguments, emphasizing the need for deeper reflection and study 1.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of listening to the poor, recognizing their perspectives as vital for seeing the world through God's eyes 1 5. He urged the Foundation to give voice to the poor, acknowledging that those on the margins carry Catholic Social Doctrine forward through their actions 1 6. The Pope highlighted that individuals committed to societal betterment and popular movements are expressions of hope from the peripheries 1.
The Pope connected Catholic Social Teaching to contemporary global issues such as climate change, migration, and job insecurity 1 5. He noted a growing demand for the Church’s social doctrine, particularly among young people and the marginalized 1. Pope Leo XIV called for active participation in discerning the signs of the times and developing the Church's social doctrine in an age of significant social changes 1. He emphasized the need to respond to the widespread thirst for justice, authentic relationships, and spirituality 1.
How does Catholic Social Teaching address contemporary global "polycrisis"?
Pope Leo XIV, continuing the legacy of his predecessors, emphasizes the importance of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) in addressing contemporary challenges. Drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum and Pope John Paul II's Centesimus Annus, Pope Leo XIV highlights key principles and their application to modern issues such as economic justice, human dignity, and the role of the Church in promoting a more just and fraternal society .
In summary, Pope Leo XIV's address to the Centesimus Annus Foundation underscores the enduring relevance of Catholic Social Teaching. By addressing contemporary issues through the lens of human dignity, solidarity, and the common good, and by calling for collaboration and ethical action, Pope Leo XIV seeks to guide the Church and the world toward a more just, peaceful, and fraternal future.