Pope Leo XIV Urges Leaders to Serve the Common Good
On 21 June, during the Jubilee of Governments, Pope Leo XIV addressed members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union representing 68 different countries.
He extended a warm welcome to the delegates and reminded them that, when grounded in service to the common good, politics becomes “the highest form of charity” and a true act of Christian love.
The Pope offered reflections on three key issues he considered especially relevant in the modern context:
- Service to the common good
He reminded parliamentarians of their responsibility to prioritise the community above any special interests and to promote the common good by defending the most vulnerable and working towards a more equitable distribution of resources.
- Religious freedom and interreligious dialogue
He emphasised the importance of safeguarding genuine religious freedom and fostering interreligious dialogue, citing Saint Augustine, who called to abandon “egoistic, myopic, and destructive self-love” in favour of free and generous love grounded in God.
Pope Leo called on political leaders to uphold the eternal and unchanging principles of natural law which act as a shared foundation that unites nations and guides decision-makers like a moral compass. He referenced the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as an example of such a guiding document.
- Challenges posed by artificial intelligence
The Holy Father drew attention to the challenges arising from the rapid development of artificial intelligence, urging parliamentarians to protect human dignity and affirm the value of individual life above any algorithm.
“Let it never be forgotten that artificial intelligence is a tool meant to serve humanity – not to diminish or replace it,” said Pope Leo XIV.
At the conclusion of his address, the Holy Father spoke of Saint Thomas More, the 16th-century English saint and former Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, who placed his faith at the heart of his public service, championing justice, defending the family, and promoting the education of the young.
“May his example be a source of inspiration and guidance for each of you,” concluded the Pope.
