Pope Leo XIV delivers catechesis on human activity in the universe

Pope Leo XIV delivered a catechesis on Wednesday, September 23, regarding the meaning of human activity in the universe. During his General Audience in St. Peter's Square, the Pope reflected on the third chapter of the first part of the pastoral constitution Gaudium et Spes, which is part of his ongoing teaching series on the documents of the Second Vatican Council.

The Pope addressed the value of technical, social, and scientific progress, noting that human beings use intelligence and freedom to improve living conditions and advance society. He rejected the idea found in some post-Christian humanisms that God and humanity are rivals, or that scientific advancement weakens the relationship with God. Instead, he stated that human works that improve society are of interest to the kingdom of God.

Pope Leo XIV warned against the prejudice that views scientific progress as an antagonist to Christian faith. He noted that while some thinkers present technical progress as something that makes God seem unnecessary, human beings remain subjects of progress because they are created in the image and likeness of God.