Pope Leo XIV discusses faith and human progress

During a General Audience at St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV continued his catechesis on the Second Vatican Council's pastoral constitution, Gaudium et Spes. Focusing on the third chapter, “Human Activity in the World,” the Pontiff addressed the relationship between faith and scientific or social progress.

The Pope argued that human beings, created in the image of God, are agents of progress who use intelligence and freedom to improve society. He rejected the notion found in some post-Christian humanisms that God and humanity are rivals, noting that such views erroneously suggest that progress requires emancipation from God. Instead, he stated that human achievements, such as the 1969 moon landing, reflect God's will and the greatness of the Creator.

Leo XIV emphasized that for progress to be truly human, it must be guided by charity to protect human dignity and serve the disadvantaged. He concluded that believers do not need to abandon earthly occupations to find God, but can instead sanctify their daily work and responsibilities.