Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV on Saturday urged theologians to embrace a theology that is missionary, dialogical, and deeply engaged with the challenges of today’s world, particularly environmental stewardship and the ethical questions posed by technological change. He was addressing participants of an International Seminar organized by the Pontifical Academy of Theology, held under the theme “Creation, Nature, Environment for a World of Peace.”
Calling the theme “very close to my heart,” Pope Leo underscored that environmental and social renewal demands the shared commitment of all. He praised the intercultural and interreligious approach of the seminar, noting that such perspectives reflect the renewed direction of the Pontifical Academy, as envisioned by Pope Francis.
“This intercultural outlook offers hope for the future,” he said, adding that theology itself must reflect this outward-looking, missionary character what he described as “theology in uscita”, or theology that goes forth into the world.
The Pope reminded participants that theology is inseparable from the evangelizing mission of the Church. He called for a form of theological reflection that combines scientific rigor with a passion for history, echoing the work of early Church Fathers and great teachers such as St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas.
Theology, Pope Leo said, should serve as a wisdom that widens existential horizons and remains in dialogue with philosophy, science, art, and the whole breadth of human experience. In this way, he noted, it becomes not only an academic exercise but also a transformative encounter with truth.
Turning to contemporary issues, the Pope highlighted the Church’s Social Doctrine as a vital witness of faith put at the service of humanity. In particular, he pointed to the urgent ethical questions raised by artificial intelligence, urging scholars to ground their responses in a sound anthropological vision. “We must ask,” he reflected, “‘What does it mean to be human? What is his infinite dignity?’”
The Holy Father invited theologians to cultivate an “incarnated theology,” rooted in personal encounter with Christ and attentive to the concrete circumstances of human life today. Such an approach, he said, should foster dialogue both across disciplines and within the theological community itself.
Pope Leo expressed hope that the Academy would grow into a “place of encounter and friendship among theologians,” promoting communion, collaboration, and shared service to the Gospel.
Referring to the new Statutes of the Academy, approved by Pope Francis, Pope Leo endorsed its threefold identity: the academic-scientific pursuit of knowledge, the sapiential dimension of wisdom, and the face of solidarity expressed in acts of charity. “True knowledge of God,” he reminded, “is realized in a life transformed by love.”
In conclusion, the Pope thanked theologians for their dedication and urged them to carry forward a theology of wisdom that serves both Church and world. He blessed their work, reminding them that theology, when faithful to Christ and responsive to humanity, becomes not only a discipline but a living witness of love and hope.