Pope Leo’s Challenge to Young Augustinians: “Swim Against the Tide”

Pope Leo XIV met with members of the International Center for Studies Leo XIV to discuss how Catholic social teaching can address modern social and political changes. The center, which was established one year ago by the Order of St. Augustine, held a two day gathering in Rome where researchers and experts examined new forms of poverty.

The center was named after the pope to honor his call to restore the importance of Catholic social teaching. Augustinian prior general Joseph Farrell helped create the center and serves as a leading figure in its work, while Luis Marín de San Martín serves on its scientific committee.

During the meeting, the pope encouraged the group to work against current trends to promote an education for public and political life. He stated that this mission should focus on serving the common good, taking responsibility toward the community, and building relationships based on justice, peace, and solidarity. While the center's first major gathering focused on poverty, its broader mission involves applying the principle of love to renew personal, economic, and political life in Italy and throughout the world.