Wednesday General Audience with Pope Leo XIV 09.09.2026

 

Pope Leo XIV waves to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square  (@Vatican Media)

Pope

• Pope Leo XIV
• general audience
• catechesis
• Second Vatican Council

Pope at Audience: Human dignity must always be defended as God’s gift

At his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Leo XIV continues his reflection on Vatican II’s ‘Gaudium et Spes,’ and says the dignity of every human person is a permanent gift of God’s love that we must defend.

Vatican News

Pope Leo XIV dedicated his Wednesday General Audience to the dignity of the human person, urging Christians to defend it in every circumstance with “the light and strength of the Gospel.”

Continuing his reflections on the Second Vatican Council’s Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et spes, the Pope said recognition of fundamental human rights represents one of the most important achievements in human history.

However, he warned, humanity’s journey towards the full recognition of human dignity remains incomplete, since old and new contradictions continue to obstruct it.

READ THE FULL TEXT OF POPE LEO'S CATECHESIS HERE

Pope Leo said the Church contributes to this journey by recalling that dignity arises from the very being of each person.

Quoting his encyclical Magnifica humanitas, he stressed that every human being is “planned and willed by God” for communion with Him, with others and with creation.

“Human dignity does not depend on a person’s abilities, wealth or position in life, nor on the right or wrong choices made,” he said. “Instead, it is a gift that precedes and transcends each person, endowed by God as an expression of His unfailing love.”

The Pope explained that this infinite dignity is rooted in humanity’s creation in the image of God.

Human beings are capable of knowing and loving our Creator, while the rest of creation is entrusted to our responsible care.

Christ, he added, reveals the ultimate foundation of this dignity by revealing humanity to itself and making known to us our highest calling.

Pope Leo went on to say that human dignity can never be understood in isolation.

“To be a person means to perceive oneself as a gift to be shared, growing and maturing through acceptance, reciprocity and service,” he said.

Dignity therefore entails both personal responsibility and solidarity with others. It calls for mutual care and for resistance to the many forms of manipulation that distort the understanding of the human person.

The Pope acknowledged that humanity remains wounded by sin and divided within itself, caught in a struggle between good and evil.

Yet, he said, Christians can face this fragility with hope because Christ came to free, strengthen and renew humanity from within.

Citing Gaudium et Spes, Pope Leo also rejected any separation between body and soul, recalling that the human person “though made of body and soul, is one.”

Treating the body as an object that can be used or disposed of arbitrarily, he said, constitutes a denial of human dignity.

The body must instead be regarded as good and worthy of honour, since it was created by God and destined for resurrection.

The Pope then highlighted intelligence, conscience, and freedom as three essential expressions of human dignity. Intelligence seeks truth, conscience gives unity and meaning to life, and freedom allows people to take responsibility for our decisions.

Pope Leo concluded by recalling that the Holy Spirit frees us from fear and confirms our dignity as children of God.

“Created in God’s image, through Christ and for His sake, we have received a unique and indelible dignity,” he said. “Let us commit ourselves to promoting and defending it always.”

The Wednesday General Audience with Pope Leo XIV 09.02.2026

 

Pope

• general audience
• Second Vatican Council
• society
• poverty
• church

Pope at Audience: Church is called to serve humanity, unmask society's contradictions

At the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the Church’s mission to be at the service of humanity by engaging with reality, getting involved in the challenges our time period faces and bear witness to Christ.

By Isabella H. de Carvalho

In a time marked by tensions, conflicts and many changes, the Church is called to be at the service of humanity – especially those who are most vulnerable – by engaging with reality, including its contradictions, Pope Leo XIV said during the Wednesday General Audience on September 2.

The Church must “leave behind all passivity and indifference in the face of current events, history and people’s lives, especially in the face of the rapid and profound changes we are experiencing today,” the Pope highlighted to the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

“We cannot remain as unengaged spectators; rather, we must listen with our hearts, allow ourselves to be challenged, and become involved. With Christ and sustained by the power of His Spirit, believers are called to take on the burdens of their brothers and sisters, especially those who are crushed by injustice, discrimination, and violence.”

Pope Leo began a new phase in his catechesis series on the Documents of the Second Vatican Council by reflecting on the 1965 Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes (meaning “joy and hope”) on the Church in the modern world.

Christians must unmask contradictions

As the Church is called to get involved in humanity, it means that “Christian solidarity commits us to engaging with reality and also to unmasking the contradictions that characterize personal and social life in the contemporary world,” the Pope emphasized in his catechesis.

He cited various examples of this in our current societies such as technological and scientific progress that only benefits some people; or a clearer understanding of the laws of society but uncertainty regarding their direction; or a great abundance of wealth, resources and economic power which, however, “today as in the days of the Council, leaves ‘a huge proportion of the world’s citizens … still tormented by hunger and poverty’.”

Or also lastly, “a shared awareness that the future of the planet is at stake, coupled with an inability to renounce selfish consumption and the illusion that war is an effective means of building peace.”

“In a time marked by profound changes, giving rise to worrying imbalances,” the Pope underlined, “the Church is called to serve the human person, listening to and welcoming the deepest questions of their heart and the longings that dwell within them, pointing to Christ as ‘the key, the focal point and the goal of … all human history’.”

St. Peter's Square during the General Audience (@Vatican Media)

Church one with humanity

The Pope also cited his predecessor Pope St. John XXIII who, in his opening address of the Second Vatican Council in 1962, took issue with those who believed that their time period was worse than the previous ones.

Pope John XXIII emphasized that in that era, like at every moment in history, one must “see the mysterious plans of Divine Providence, which are brought to fulfilment in due course through the work of men, and often beyond their expectations, and which, with wisdom, arrange everything, even adverse human affairs, for the good of the Church.”

Pope Leo explained that the promulgation of Gaudium et spes recognized in this discernment an essential element of the nature of the Church, which is that as Jesus Christ “by becoming incarnate, chooses to share our life,” so too He calls the Church to become involved in this same way with humanity.

“Hence, the conciliar Constitution Gaudium et spes begins by declaring that the Church makes her own ‘the joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted’,” the Pope insisted.

In this regard, he noted that the Constitution recalls the Church’s constant duty to scrutinize the signs of the times and interpret them in light of the Gospel and also her mission to bring forward the work of Christ, who bore witness to truth and served all.

Focusing on the poor and those most in need

The Pope noted that this is not “merely a moral imperative” and, as Pope Francis had said, “the option for the poor is primarily a theological category rather than a cultural, sociological, political or philosophical one.”

“We are called to find Christ in them, to lend our voice to their causes, but also to be their friends, to listen to them, to speak for them and to embrace the mysterious wisdom which God wishes to share with us through them,” Pope Leo said, citing his predecessor’s Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium.

The Pope concluded by expressing his hope that “joy and hope – gaudium et spes – be the distinctive features of a Church who proclaims and bears witness to the Gospel, drawing close to the women and men of our time.”

The ups and downs, the balance and reality of life, the profound impacts from so many places

It was for me a great weekend.  It was for me a time of great happiness and joy.  And it was for me a dose of reality; things break, things need attention.  It was for me a time of some frustration, missing the 4th weekend in a row at Mass, doing what deacons do.  It was a time of some sadness too, more folks you know with Covid19 and then this afternoon the word of the death of a beautiful soul who inspired and encouraged so many and now will be for us a Saint in Heaven.

It has been over a month since I've seen my local grands; until this weekend.  Brennan, almost 30 months(2 and a half years old) spent Friday evening and all day Saturday.  Brennan is full on energy, a smile that melts hearts, a little independent and some one who loves unconditionally.  Brennan loves to play with all the old toys still at our house from the days of her momma and momma's older brother.  Some of these toys are from the late 70's.  At bedtime it's a three part process: read books, sing songs and say our prayers.  She makes and says the sign of the cross and loves to pray for mommy & daddy, baby Walker, both sets of grandparents, her cousin Levi and Levi's mom & dad.  It's so sweet.  I love her robust Amen.  On Saturday Brennan loves to play in "pops bedroom" jumping on the bed, hiding under the covers, playing and/or tormenting sweet Delilah.  Brennan got to witness our power outage which interrupted her nap because her sound machine quits working.  She also got to see panic Pops when the power came up one of my drainage pumps obviously failed and we had water all over the bathroom floor.  I learned Brennan does not like yelling, even if your yelling for more towels.  Disaster cleaned up and behind us, we drove Brennan home where I would hold my 3 month old grandson Walker.  Poor Walker was the youngest area resident diagnosed with the Coronavirus but thanks be to God had no ill effects.  When I held him I realized it was only the second time I had done so; the first being at his baptism.  He is adorable and am so glad Wendy captured a great picture posted over at my FB page.  I put Brennan to bed again and after reading 3-4 books it was time to sing.  I get routines but I tried some new songs, You are My Sunshine, Yes, Jesus Loves Me, stuff she id not know.  Her mom showed up to bail me out with Brennan's favorite classics.

This is good stuff, stuff that has not been as consistent as I would like, a lot of this we can blame Covid19.  But everyday we try and try to live life, to power on and I truly enjoyed these events.  Today, Wendy and I enjoyed the hour long video chat with our NC grands, Calvin and Katelyn.  We have not seen them in person since last December and our August visit was cancelled because of our illness.  But via Skype we caught up, watched them ride bikes outside with mom helping out and marveled at how big they are getting.  Calvin will soon be 8 and Katelyn recently turned 5.  Both are full of energy, maybe Katelyn a bit more.  Both are wonderful grandkids as they stay close to us via the gift of Skype.  So yes, the weekend, for me brought much joy.

But Mike is a worrier and the latest incident with the plumbing and a 30 year old septic tank took a little toll.  Wendy and I just decided enough is enough and we will get some professional help out here hopefully tomorrow.  We can fix it up and stem the tide but the incidents are too frequent.  This was event #3 just this year alone.  So I guess we have our own 2020 mess to deal with it.  Wendy tries very sincerely to help me through drama's like this.  It's not the end of the world, no matter how inconvenient or troublesome these things can be.  In the big picture, with Wendy and I surviving Coronavirus and having such a nice time with our families, I can see where I need to relax.  In perspective this weekend I learned of the death of a beautiful soul here on the Northshore who is a local inspiration, a young mother of 5 with a wonderful husband who give their all to the church and demonstrate in many ways their love of Jesus.  Last week her husband Jason acknowledged all the prayers and love being sent her way and he summed it up nicely, whether God has a miracle in store for his wife here on earth or He calls her home to Him in Heaven; either way it is all miracle.  Rest in the sweet peace of Jesus dear Elise.  You were and are so loved by so many.  I also learned some details of two Priests I follow via social media and their battle with Coronavirus.  One is still very sick so please pray for Father Larry's recovery and the continuing recovery of Msgr. Charles.  There are a few more clergy here locally that I am following and a couple of folks from our local Knights of Columbus.  All are in my prayers.

I miss doing all things Deacon on the weekend and during the week.  My ministry at Rayburn Prison is now over 5 months suspended and it looks like it will be a long time before we return to the men.  I do hold all of them in my prayers in as special a way as I possibly can.  I did just announce that my Bible Study will return in about 30 days and it's focus will be on the Eucharist in Scripture through the teachings of Dr. Scott Hahn.  I can't wait.  Perhaps this will help return all things back to a feeling of "normal".  I also plan to return to the altar next weekend.  Even if I may get tired, I feel it's time and I certainly will confirm this with my doctor.  There has been a lot of changes at my parish over the last 2 months and not being there to at least assist has been difficult.  God keeps helping me with that patience thing.  I do know this, when it's time to preach again I sure have plenty to say.

All these things I've written about today remind me that life comes with great joys and happiness, occasional uncertainties, profound impacts and influences from so many sources and can mean illness and yes, even death; all a part of the lives we live here as dress rehearsal for life to be lived with God in Heaven.

The words I used to begin this essay reminded me of the beautiful words of Gaudium et spes, the Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World.  I leave these words for all of us to read and contemplate and pray with:

The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ. Indeed, nothing genuinely human fails to raise an echo in their hearts. For theirs is a community composed of men. United in Christ, they are led by the Holy Spirit in their journey to the Kingdom of their Father and they have welcomed the news of salvation which is meant for every man. That is why this community realizes that it is truly linked with mankind and its history by the deepest of bonds.

A reflection on Gaudium et Spes now 50 years old!

Gaudium et Spes at 50

‘The Church must smell like the world it penetrates’
 

     Rome, July 20, 2015 (ZENIT.org) Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB              

 

Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB, a frequent contributor to ZENIT, is CEO of the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation in Canada.  He also serves as English language Media Attaché to the Holy See Press Office.

The following is the keynote address delivered by Fr. Rosica to the Association of United States Catholic Priests in St. Louis, Missouri on June 30th, 2015.

* * *

Dear Brothers in Christ,

Thank you for the invitation to address your annual conference. You have invited me to reflect on one of the most important documents of the Second Vatican Council – Gaudium et Spes, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World as it nears its “golden jubilee” this December.  In an attempt to diminish or dismiss the great significance of this core document of the Council, many have tried to classify Vatican II as a “pastoral council” that did not address dogmatic issues. At the beginning of this presentation, let me offer this fundamental principle: the Second Vatican Council offered a new model of merging between so-called pastoral and doctrinal councils. The standard refrain that Vatican II was a pastoral council and therefore did not propose new doctrines of the church is incorrect. Vatican II was a pastoral council by its teachings, i.e., its doctrines. The Council was therefore pastoral by being doctrinal.

Fifty years after its promulgation, who of us cannot still be moved by the opening words of that landmark conciliar document?

The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ. Indeed, nothing genuinely human fails to raise an echo in their hearts. For theirs is a community composed of men. United in Christ, they are led by the Holy Spirit in their journey to the Kingdom of their Father and they have welcomed the news of salvation which is meant for every man. That is why this community realizes that it is truly linked with mankind and its history by the deepest of bonds.

There is an interesting history to the birth of this Pastoral Constitution. Such a document was not planned from the outset of the Council. It was toward the close of the first session of the Council, on December 4, 1962, that Belgian Cardinal Leo Suenens spoke of the need for the Church to address the world and not just to be occupied with internal Church matters. The very next day, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini of Milan (who was to become Paul VI by the next session) seconded Suenens' proposal. And then, on December 6, Cardinal Lercaro of Bologna echoed the views of Montini and Suenens. So, thanks to the support of three of the most influential and respected Council fathers, a statement on church and world became a topic for the next session of the Council!

The final result was the longest document of the Council, indeed the longest document ever produced by any of the 21 ecumenical Councils in a 2,000 year history: Gaudium et Spes, the Pastoral Constitution on The Church in the Modern World. The document is divided into two parts. The first part lays out theological and pastoral perspectives and principles about the Church in the world. The second part addresses five areas of what it calls "special urgency."

 

Much more here:  http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/gaudium-et-spes-at-50