Vatican City: During his Jubilee Audience, Pope Leo XIV warmly welcomed participants of the Jubilee of the World of Work, emphasizing the vital role of meaningful employment in fostering hope, stability, and human dignity. Addressing the 45,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, he called for “a shared responsibility” to create opportunities that allow particularly young people to pursue their aspirations and contribute positively to society.
Work as a Source of Life and Creativity
In his address to Italian speakers, the Pope underlined that work should inspire hope and serve as a platform for individual creativity and the expression of goodness. “Labor must enable people to flourish,” he said, “offering both life and purpose while highlighting human potential.”
Encouraging Professional Growth
Pope Leo urged communities, institutions, and civil society to promote environments conducive to professional development, especially for younger generations. He stressed the importance of creating jobs that provide security and dignity, allowing young people to realize their dreams while contributing to the common good.
Honoring Poland’s Work Pilgrimages
Speaking to Polish pilgrims, the Pope recalled their nation’s longstanding tradition of “World of Work pilgrimages,” inspired by Saint John Paul II and his encyclical Laborem Exercens, reflecting on industrialization and automation. The Church’s mission to uphold worker dignity, condemn injustice, and guide societal change was emphasized.
Hope as a Witness
In his catechesis, Pope Leo reflected on Saint Paul’s message to the Corinthians, urging Christians to recognize the divine hand in bringing people together. “Those who are humble and less powerful have become precious and important,” he noted. Highlighting God’s preference for the least, the Pope described this as an “earthquake” that revitalizes the world. “The message of the Cross awakens conscience and restores human dignity. Brothers and sisters, to hope is to bear witness demonstrating that everything has changed, and nothing remains as it was before.”