This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience the members of the “Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice” Foundation.
The following is the address delivered by the Pope to those present at the meeting:
Address of the Holy Father
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you!
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I am pleased to welcome you this morning, the President and members of the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, as well as those of you who took part in the 2026 General Assembly and International Conference. Your presence here is motivated by your continued dedication to the study and implementation of the Social Doctrine of the Church in today’s society. It is no secret that this is a topic that is particularly close to my own heart, not to mention that it is an essential part of the Church’s mission in this world. Your annual meeting has coincided with the recent publication of Magnifica Humanitas, and I believe that this Encyclical can provide guidelines to develop and assess the many topics that you have been exploring during the Conference and the preparation that preceded it.
In this regard, the theme chosen for this year — A Fragmented World in Search of Spirituality: Freedom and Pluralism from Within the Social Doctrine of the Church — offers much to consider. Firstly, it acknowledges the unfortunate situation in which humanity currently finds itself as we navigate an era marked by wars and growing polarization, as well as cultural and social divisions. Yet, in the midst of fragility, a new hope arises. Even as division seems to grow, a common denominator that indisputably unites us all appears: our shared humanity. Indeed, it is precisely when faced with adverse circumstances that the human person is called to reconsider the fundamental questions that have gently prodded the heart of countless generations to more serious reflection: “Where are we going? Toward what goal do we wish to orient ourselves? What direction should we choose as a people and as a human community?” (Magnifica Humanitas 6).
Such questions are a clear manifestation of humanity’s search for truth, and give rise to a desire for something more, a thirst for God and lasting meaning. They also bear witness to the essential aspects of our humanity: the God-given gifts of reason and freedom by which we may come to know the truth and adhere to what is good. Though freedom is often understood as the capacity to do what one wants, it is imperative to recover an authentic meaning of freedom that allows us to discover its relational dimension, for it is precisely here that we can speak of the person’s fulfilment both as individuals and as a society. Saint John Paul II reminded us that this fulfilment is found when freedom is lived as a “gift of self and openness to others” (Evangelium Vitae 19), that is, when freedom is used to love. On the contrary, “when freedom is made absolute in an individualistic way, it is emptied of its original content, and its very meaning and dignity are contradicted” (ibid).
What we discover here are the two “cities” described by Saint Augustine that continue to characterize not only the human heart, but also the civilizations that we create. The City of Man, built on pride and love of oneself, is marked by selfish individualism. The City of God, built on love of God unto selflessness, and the cultivation of relationships, is what makes it truly possible to build a civilization of love. In this light, we can discover that what lies behind the crisis of contemporary democracies and the weakening of multilateralism is, in fact, an anthropological crisis that stems from having largely forgotten about the Creator. Far from despairing however, we are called to do our part, remembering that “the civilization of love will not arise from a single or spectacular gesture, but from the sum total of small and steadfast acts of fidelity that serve as a bulwark against dehumanization” (Magnifica Humanitas 213).
Another aspect of fostering and working toward an authentic civilization of love is dialogue. A dialogue grounded in truth that recognizes and values the shared humanity of every person. Indeed, bearing in mind the innate dignity of every individual allows selfishness and particular interests to be overcome in favor of the common good. This same dignity also provides the context in which we can speak of a healthy pluralism that recognizes the wealth of contributions that come from people of diverse backgrounds and which leads to peaceful coexistence.
With these brief reflections, I thank you for your presence here today and your efforts to further promote the Church’s Social Doctrine. In assuring you of my continued prayers, I cordially impart my blessing, which I willingly extend to your families and all your loved ones. Thank you.
