"Monetary affluence, powerful dominance, and sensual indulgence": these departures publicly condemned by Leo XIV a day following his election
Pontiff Pope Leo XIV Slams Secularism, Commerce, and Pleasure
In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV, now known as Pope Robert Francis Prevost, criticized the decline of faith in favor of wealth, power, and hedonism. During the first mass of his pontificate in the Sistine Chapel on May 9, the new pope called for the Church to become a beacon in the dark times of the world.
© Simone Risoluti - Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images By Sabrina Guintini Published on
The American-born pope, elected after mere hours in the conclave on May 8, denounced a world where "money, power, and pleasure" rule, ridiculing the perception of Christian faith as absurd in contemporary society. The pontiff indicated that a lack of faith could lead to catastrophes such as violations of human dignity and family crises.
Leo XIV followed in Pope Francis' footsteps during his initial address on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. According to Philippine de Saint-Pierre, the director-general of the KTO network, the new pope will primarily focus on social justice, building upon the canon set by Rerum Novarum, the 1891 encyclical penned by Pope Leo XIII.
Miranda Cartier, delegate general of the diocese of Saint-Denis, anticipates that Leo XIV will deliver powerful, inspiring messages for the youth during the upcoming Catholic youth jubilee in Rome. The pope is expected to continue voicing the sentiments expressed by his predecessor, bridging gaps within the Catholic Church and among various segments of society.
Secularism poses a formidable challenge to the Church, as society remains divided on the value and relevance of faith in the modern age. To address this challenge, Pope Leo XIV may engage in dialogue with secular groups, sharing common values, and advocating for shared causes such as human rights and environmental stewardship.
The pope may also institute liturgical and pastoral reforms to reinforce the role of the community in spreading the Gospel. Rumors suggest that a more conservative stance on liturgical matters could guide the relationship between traditional Catholics and the secular world, fostering a unified vision.
However, the new pope's commitment to a "synodal" Church suggests a willingness to listen to diverse perspectives and adapt responses to the challenges posed by secularism. His global influence as the first American pope will enable him to advocate for marginalized communities and promote an inclusive, equitable answer to the challenges of a secular world.
- Pope Robert Francis Prevost (formerly known as Pope Leo XIV) criticized the dominance of wealth, power, and hedonism in the world, and emphasized that the lack of faith could lead to violations of human dignity and family crises.
- The new pope, following in the footsteps of Pope Francis, aims to primarily focus on social justice, building upon the canon set by Rerum Novarum, an encyclical penned by Pope Leo XIII in 1891.
- In his upcoming addresses, particularly during the Catholic youth jubilee in Rome, the pope is anticipated to deliver powerful, inspiring messages for the youth, bridging gaps within the Catholic Church and various segments of society.
- To counter the challenges posed by secularism, Pope Leo XIV may engage in dialogue with secular groups, share common values, and advocate for causes such as human rights and environmental stewardship, while potentially implementing liturgical and pastoral reforms to fortify the role of the community in spreading the Gospel.
