Church must respond to digital revolution, Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV has revealed the profound inspiration behind his papal name emphasizing its significance in the Church’s ongoing mission to uphold human dignity and social justice.
Recalling Pope Leo XIII’s groundbreaking encyclical Rerum Novarum which addressed social issues during the dawn of the industrial revolution, the new Pope highlighted the relevance of this tradition in the modern era. “Today, the Church offers her treasure of social teaching in response to another industrial revolution—the developments of artificial intelligence,” Pope Leo stated. His choice of name, he explained is rooted in tradition but also looks forward confronting the challenges of a rapidly changing world and reaffirming the Church’s commitment to protecting the vulnerable.
Addressing the Cardinals whom he described as the “closest collaborators of the Pope,” Pope Leo XIV expressed deep gratitude and a humble awareness of the immense responsibilities ahead. “This yoke,” he acknowledged, “is clearly far beyond my strength—as it would be for anyone.”
The Holy Father reflected on the recent days marked by mourning as the Church bid farewell to Pope Francis. Viewing the death of his predecessor and the subsequent conclave as “a paschal event,” he described it as enveloped in the light of the Resurrection. He paid tribute to Pope Francis’ humility, dedication to service and peaceful transition to eternal life urging the Church to cherish this legacy and continue its mission with renewed hope grounded in faith.
The Pope emphasized the importance of encountering Christ in the stillness rather than in thunder or earthquake describing the “whisper of a gentle breeze” as a profound moment of divine presence. “It is in this quiet stillness,” he said, “that we encounter God most intimately and it is this encounter that must guide the Church today.”
He also spoke of the Church’s dual roles as “womb” and “flock,” “field” and “temple,” praising the unity and resilience of the faithful during recent times of mourning, which revealed the true greatness of the Church’s communal spirit.
Looking ahead, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the path set forth by the Second Vatican Council especially as renewed under Pope Francis. He highlighted themes from the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, including the primacy of Christ, synodality, the sensus fidei (faithful’s supernatural sense), popular piety, care for the poor and active engagement with the world.
“These principles reveal the merciful face of the Father, made manifest in the Son,” he affirmed.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV called on the Cardinals and the entire Church to pursue this path with “prayer and commitment,” echoing Saint Paul VI’s prayer that “a great flame of faith and love” may once again ignite across the world, illuminating the way for all people of good will.
