Pope Leo XIV expands role of Synod Secretariat and emphasizes human dignity

Pope Leo XIV is implementing subtle shifts within the Roman Curia, specifically increasing the influence of the General Secretariat of the Synod. While no formal structural reforms or new apostolic constitutions have been announced, the Secretariat is taking a more prominent role in organizational and methodological preparations for major Church events.

A key upcoming test of this configuration is the meeting scheduled for October 7–14, where heads of Eastern Catholic Churches and presidents of Episcopal Conferences will gather to discuss the ten-year anniversary of the exhortation Amoris laetitia. Although the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life was originally tasked with preparation, the Secretariat of the Synod is now working jointly with them on thematic itineraries.

In a recent general audience, the Pope also addressed the importance of human dignity and social justice. He urged that political and social projects be evaluated based on the common good and human integrity. During his catechesis on the Second Vatican Council document Gaudium et spes, he warned against individualism and the risks of delegating human conscience to artificial intelligence algorithms.