Pope Leo XIV emphasizes social justice and environmental stewardship

Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the inseparable connection between prayer and social justice. During a meeting with a delegation from the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of the United States, the Pope highlighted the teachings of Saint Vincent de Paul, noting that spiritual devotion and active service to the poor are complementary. He encouraged volunteers to deepen their faith to better serve those in need.

In a separate message regarding the World Day of Prayer for Creation scheduled for September 1, 2026, the Pope addressed the intersection of armed conflict and ecological degradation. Using the biblical imagery of forging swords into plowshares, he argued that war causes long-term damage to both human societies and ecosystems, contributing to pollution, food insecurity, and poverty.

Leo XIV called for a conversion of the heart to foster respect for both humanity and the environment. He identified truth, dialogue, patience, justice, and love as the essential tools for building lasting peace, rather than instruments of destruction.