In his first address to the College of Cardinals, Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to addressing the challenges of the digital revolution and artificial intelligence and fully utilizing its rich potential. Invoking the legacy of both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIII, the Pope emphasized the Church’s enduring dedication to human dignity and social justice.
Pope Leo XIV noted that his predecessor, Pope Leo XIII, addressed the social question in the context of the first industrial revolution with the historic Encyclical Rerum novarum. “Today, the Church offers to all her treasure of social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and the developments of artificial intelligence,” he said.
The Pope expressed his awareness of the immense responsibility entrusted to him as the Successor of Peter, describing the yoke as “clearly far beyond my strength – as it would be for anyone.” However, he emphasized the importance of continuing along the path set in motion by the Second Vatican Council, renewed and reinterpreted under Pope Francis.
Pope Leo XIV pointed out key themes from Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium, including the primacy of Christ, synodality, the sensus fidei, popular piety, care for the poor, and courageous engagement with the world. “These are Gospel principles through which the merciful face of the Father has been revealed and continues to be revealed in the Son made man,” he said.
The Pope paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, remembering his simplicity, radical dedication to service, and peaceful return to the Father’s House. “Let us treasure this precious legacy and resume our journey,” he noted, “animated by the same hope that comes from faith.”
In the address, Pope Leo XIV also reflected on the quiet yet powerful presence of the Risen Christ, quoting from the biblical account of Elijah’s encounter with God. “Not in the roar of thunder and earthquake, but in the whisper of a gentle breeze,” he said, emphasizing the importance of encountering God in stillness and guiding the Church’s mission accordingly.
The 267th Bishop of Rome called on his brother Cardinals and the wider Church to continue along the path of prayer and commitment. Quoting Saint Paul VI, he prayed that “a great flame of faith and love” may once again spread across the world, lighting the way for all people of goodwill.
