Reflection on Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical

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Chapter Two

In my previous reflection on Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, I explore the Introduction and Chapter One, where the Holy Father introduces a major concern for our times - preserving humanity’s God-given dignity.

Pope Leo reminds us that technology is a tool, not a master and that the most important question of our time is not whether machines are becoming more intelligent, but whether we are remaining truly human.

Drawing upon the rich tradition of Catholic social teaching, he shows how the Church has consistently responded to the social challenges of every age by keeping the human person at the center.

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Pope Leo begins Chapter Two with an understanding of God as Trinity - a communion of love - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He then explains that because we are created in that trinitarian  image, we are created to be in relationships. Our deepest purpose is not living for ourselves, but learning to love, serve, and share our lives with God and with one another (48).

This truth is the foundation of human dignity. Our worth comes from our relationship to God, not from our achievements, abilities, wealth, or social status . Human rights are not gifts bestowed by governments or societies, but "inherent in the human person and in human dignity" (55), and therefore "universal and inalienable" (55).

Pope Leo emphasizes that the first of these rights is the right to life, "from conception to its natural end" (55). He also calls attention to those whose dignity is often overlooked, especially women who suffer exclusion, mistreatment, or violence and are frequently "less able to defend their rights" (57). His message is clear: a society is judged not by how it treats the powerful, but by how it protects the most vulnerable.

Pope Leo then outlines the foundational principles that guide us in putting these teachings into practice in our families, communities, workplaces, and society.

The Common

The common good is "the social expression of the dignity recognized in every person" (59). It is not simply a collection of individual interests. Rather, it is a good that belongs to everyone and benefits all members of society.

Pope Leo is not naive, as it writes: "it is clear that there are many ideological and practical differences among people, as well as differing interests and frequent disagreements, but that does not mean it is impossible to engage in dialogue to establish a set of basic agreements that enable the creation of a shared vision, upon which everyone can move forward together" (62).

Universal Destination of Goods

This principle teaches that “the earth’s goods – soil, water air and natural resources are given by God to the entire human family to sustain the lives of all and that every person has an inherent right to the use of such goods, both now and in the future” (65). This principle applies not only to material things but also to knowledge, culture, and opportunities (65).

Subsidiarity

Subsidiarity recognizes that decisions should be made as close as possible to the people they affect. Families, local communities, parishes, and organizations should be encouraged and supported, not unnecessarily controlled by larger entities. Higher authorities should "recognize, protect and promote the freedom and creativity of lower-level entities" (68).

Solidarity

This principle recognizes that our lives are interconnected and that we are responsible for one another. True solidarity means refusing to be indifferent to the struggles of our neighbors and choosing instead to care, share, and work together. In today’s world, solidarity now demands that decisions regarding data, algorithms, platforms and artificial intelligence not only take into account the immediate benefit for a few, but their impact on all peoples and on future generations” (76).

Social Justice. 

“For the Christian community, social justice is a concrete way of following Jesus and remaining faithful to the Gospel” (77). The Pope teaches that justice is not only about personal behavior but also about creating social structures that allow everyone, especially the weakest, to live with dignity (77). He points us toward the poor, migrants, refugees, and all those who are often forgotten by society (78).

Integral Human Development

Quoting Pope Paul VI, he explains that development must be "integral" because it should "foster the development of each man and of the whole man" (82). This means caring not only for material needs but also for our spiritual, moral, cultural, and relational well-being. 

The Pope also applies these principles to today's digital world. As technology and artificial intelligence become more powerful, he asks us to ensure that they serve people rather than exploit them. He warns against allowing technology to create new forms of exclusion and insists that human dignity and the common good must remain at the center of every decision (80, 85).

The chapter concludes by reminding us that these teachings are not only for governments or world leaders. They are also for the Church and for each one of us. Pope Leo hopes that the faithful will "rediscover their duty" to live these principles in daily life, family relationships, work, and involvement in society (47).