Leo XIV: "Politics that tends to the wounds of peoples offers grounds for hope"

At today's General Audience, November 4, in St. Peter's Square, Leo XIV devoted his eighth catechesis on the Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes, part of his cycle on the documents of the Second Vatican Council, to faith and social, political and economic life. Before the catechesis, the Pope toured the square in the popemobile.

Politics and hope. "Politics that tends to the wounds of peoples and of those who suffer injustice offers grounds for hope for the future of humanity," the Pope said. "As Pope Francis recalled, 'war is a failure of politics and of humanity, a shameful capitulation, a stinging defeat before the forces of evil.'" He encouraged young people to follow the example of men and women "who have borne faithful witness in these fields," according to Vatican News, which reports that he described engagement in the economy and politics according to these criteria as a way to build peace.

Work. "Work must never be distorted to the detriment of people, the common good or creation," he said. "The real challenge is to offer everyone opportunities to make the most of their abilities: unemployment, exploitation and working conditions that endanger health and life itself are unacceptable." He also underlined workers' right and duty to take part in decisions concerning them, including through trade unions.

Economy, migrants and the common good. "More relevant than ever are the appeals to commit to eliminating discrimination against the most vulnerable social groups and migrants," the Pope said. "The political community exists for the sake of the common good," he added, noting that Church and political community are autonomous but serve better through sound cooperation. He urged Christian communities to form people in the Church's social doctrine.

What we don't know. At the time of publication, the full text of the catechesis, the appeals and the final greetings had not yet been published on the Holy See's website.

Sources: Vatican News (EN), Vatican News (IT). Photo: AFP.

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