Pope Leo XIV Calls Church to Address Humanity's Needs

During his weekly general audience on [exact date not provided], Pope Leo XIV called on the Catholic Church to enhance its role in addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing world. He urged the Church to listen to the deepest questions and longings of people's hearts.

This address, delivered in St. Peter’s Square in Rome, marked the beginning of a new phase in his catechesis series, which will focus on the documents of the Second Vatican Council, particularly the 1965 Pastoral Constitution titled “Joy and Hope.” Pope Leo XIV stated that the Church is called to share in humanity’s journey, embracing the joys, griefs, and anxieties of the world, especially those of the poor and afflicted. Elected in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, previously served in Peru and took on senior roles within the Vatican.

He emphasized the Church's responsibility to remain attentive to the concerns of people facing social inequality, migration, conflict, and technological change.