Pope Leo XIV praises Catholics who led Church in ‘new directions’

Pope Leo XIV praised laypeople and religious members for their roles in shaping Catholic social teaching during an audience with the Leo XIV International Study Center on Sept. 18. Speaking in the Vatican's Consistory Hall, the pope said the contributions of men and women in the laity were essential to analyzing Christian revelation alongside modern economic, labor, and cultural issues.

The pope described Christian humanism as a vision that fosters fraternal relationships and serves as the foundation for the Church's social doctrine. He noted that religious men and women helped the Church move in new directions by embodying this tradition.

During the meeting with approximately 50 members of the study center, the pope encouraged the group to promote training for public service and engagement. He stated that current changes make constant interaction between the faithful and the Church's magisterium, as well as between citizens and institutions, more necessary. The Leo XIV International Study Center was founded in October 2025 within the Order of St. Augustine to study the life and magisterium of the pope.