Pope Leo XIV Embraces Francis’ Vision for a Modern Catholic Church

Pope Leo XIV outlined a modern vision for the Catholic Church that emphasizes social justice and dignity in the age of artificial intelligence, pledging to continue the path set by Pope Francis.

 

In his inaugural address to Roman Catholic cardinals, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed his commitment to the progressive mission initiated by his predecessor, Pope Francis. Emphasizing the need for a modern, inclusive church, Leo stated his intention to focus on key themes from Francis’ 2013 document, Evangelii Gaudium. He highlighted priorities such as “growth in collegiality,” “popular piety,” and compassion for “the least and the rejected,” indicating that these values would guide his papacy.

Reflecting on the church’s historical evolution, Leo referenced the pioneering work of Pope Leo XIII, particularly his 19th-century encyclicals on social justice during the first industrial revolution. He expressed concern that the current advancements in artificial intelligence present new ethical dilemmas, stating that the church must rise to meet the challenges this technological revolution poses to human dignity and labor rights.

The new pope lauded Francis’ dedication to humility and service, and during his first address, he engaged with cardinals, indicating a collaborative future for church leadership. Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo of Venezuela noted that Leo's emphasis on continuity with Francis’ legacy suggests a commitment to theological and pastoral stability. Additionally, discussions were held about the formation of priests and bishops, reflecting Leo's intention to strengthen church leadership at all levels.

As he continues to establish his papacy, Pope Leo XIV's focus on dialogue and responsiveness to contemporary issues signals a profound commitment to social justice and the church’s role in addressing the needs of the marginalized in an ever-evolving world.