Pope Leon XIV calls for a 'New Jerusalem' civilization of love at Castel Gandolfo dialogue

Pope Leon XIV addressed participants at the inaugural Borgo Laudato Si’ Dialogues held in the Papal Gardens of Castel Gandolfo. He urged world leaders and specialists to help build a "New Jerusalem"—a civilization of love in which love guides economic, political and cultural life. The pope warned against "false pragmatism," describing it as a threat that erodes historical roots and fuels a profit‑driven "Babel tower" that dehumanises society.

The two‑day forum covered topics such as artificial intelligence, ageing populations, sport, diplomacy and the future of sustainable development. Leon XIV highlighted a global crisis of memory and identity and called on the diverse attendees—representing science, business, culture and religion—to collaborate on ecological, social and economic transformation, continuing the vision of Pope Francis’ Laudato si’ encyclical.