Pope Leo XIV praises Catholics leading Church in new directions

Pope Leo XIV praised the contributions of laypeople and religious members in shaping Catholic social teaching during an audience on Sept. 18. Speaking to approximately 50 members of the Leo XIV International Study Center in the Vatican Consistory Hall, the pope said the laity helped the Church analyze Christian revelation regarding modern labor, economic, social, and cultural issues.

The pope described Christian humanism as a vision open to the Creator that encourages fraternal relationships, noting that the Church's social doctrine emerged from this tradition. Quoting his apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te, he said religious men and women worked alongside the laity to embody a Church moving in new directions.

The pope encouraged members of the study center to promote training for public service and engagement in society. He noted that current changes make constant interaction between the faithful and the Church's magisterium, as well as between citizens and experts, more necessary.

The Leo XIV International Study Center is a research, educational, and cultural institution founded in October 2025 within the Order of St. Augustine. The center is dedicated to studying the life and magisterium of Pope Leo XIV.