Pope Leo XIV emphasizes connection between faith and culture

During a general audience on October 28, 2026, Pope Leo XIV addressed the relationship between Christian faith and culture, drawing on the Second Vatican Council’s pastoral constitution, Gaudium et Spes.

The Pontiff argued that faith must not remain a private spirituality or an abstraction but should instead become part of culture, influencing thought, morality, and collective decisions. He noted that the theological foundation for this connection is the Incarnation, asserting that because the Word became flesh, faith is an incarnate reality interwoven with human existence, including art, science, and social relations.

Leo XIV highlighted the Church’s historical role in education, noting that medieval universities were born from the Church and contributed significantly to Western civilization. He called for the promotion of access to education and cultural goods for all, specifically mentioning the need to overcome illiteracy and ensure women’s participation in cultural life. The Pope concluded that the progress of knowledge and culture serves to prompt deeper questions, helping to prepare minds for the Gospel.