In his inaugural address to the Roman Catholic cardinals, Pope Leo XIV characterized his papacy as a continuation of Pope Francis' mission to promote a more inclusive and engaged church. Speaking from Vatican City on Saturday, Leo reaffirmed his dedication to following the principles laid out by Francis, particularly those outlined in the 2013 document, Evangelii Gaudium. Among the key points he highlighted were the importance of "collegiality," "popular piety," and a "loving care for the least and the rejected," all of which serve as guiding principles for the church in modern times.
Pope Leo XIV explicitly acknowledged the transformative impact of the contemporary industrial revolution, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence, on society. He stated that these advancements present new challenges for protecting human dignity, justice, and labor rights. "The church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response," Leo added, seeking to establish a moral framework that can address the implications of these rapidly evolving technologies.
A significant moment in Leo's address was his reference to the previous Pope Leo XIII, known for his encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed social concerns during the infancy of the industrial age. Leo XIV drew parallels between the challenges faced during that time and today’s technological changes, emphasizing the continuity of the church's role in addressing social justice.
The cardinals in attendance took note of Leo’s focus on maintaining the trajectory of Francis’ papacy. Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo expressed approval of the emphasis on continuity and noted Leo’s inquiry into issues regarding the education of future clergy. Cardinal Sean Brady also remarked positively on Leo's affable nature, indicating an intent to establish a strong rapport with the cardinals.
Overall, Pope Leo XIV's address set a tone of collaboration, compassion, and commitment to adapting the church's teachings to better navigate the complexities of the modern world, following in the footsteps of the well-respected Francis.
Pope Leo XIV explicitly acknowledged the transformative impact of the contemporary industrial revolution, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence, on society. He stated that these advancements present new challenges for protecting human dignity, justice, and labor rights. "The church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response," Leo added, seeking to establish a moral framework that can address the implications of these rapidly evolving technologies.
A significant moment in Leo's address was his reference to the previous Pope Leo XIII, known for his encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed social concerns during the infancy of the industrial age. Leo XIV drew parallels between the challenges faced during that time and today’s technological changes, emphasizing the continuity of the church's role in addressing social justice.
The cardinals in attendance took note of Leo’s focus on maintaining the trajectory of Francis’ papacy. Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo expressed approval of the emphasis on continuity and noted Leo’s inquiry into issues regarding the education of future clergy. Cardinal Sean Brady also remarked positively on Leo's affable nature, indicating an intent to establish a strong rapport with the cardinals.
Overall, Pope Leo XIV's address set a tone of collaboration, compassion, and commitment to adapting the church's teachings to better navigate the complexities of the modern world, following in the footsteps of the well-respected Francis.
