Pope Leo XIV addresses 50 members of Centro Studi Internazionale Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV met with approximately 50 members of the Centro Studi Internazionale Pope Leo XIV during an audience in the Consistory Hall on Friday, September 18, 2026. The research, education, and cultural production center was established in October 2025 by the Order of Saint Augustine and is dedicated to the life and teaching of the pope.

The pope told the members that building peace and fair balances, rather than war, creates civilization. He encouraged the group to promote critical thinking, dialogue, and training for public and political life as a way to serve the common good. He also urged them to draw inspiration from the social teaching of the Church to help build a civilization of love.

The center intends to engage in large-scale dialogue with universities, public agencies, civil society organizations, and ecclesiastical bodies to foster national and international collaboration. The pope noted the importance of these efforts in supporting the early stages of this Augustinian initiative.