Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called for a new generation of moral leadership rooted in courage, humility and dialogue, urging people to work together to build what he described as a “civilisation of love” in a world facing growing social, cultural and technological challenges.
The Pope made the appeal on Friday while addressing participants of the first edition of the Borgo Laudato si’ Dialogues, a two day gathering held at Borgo Laudato si’ in Castel Gandolfo. The event brought together experts, leaders and professionals from different countries and fields to discuss some of the most important issues affecting humanity today. Topics included artificial intelligence, human dignity, healthy ageing, sports diplomacy and environmental sustainability.
The dialogues are part of the wider mission of Borgo Laudato si’, a centre for integral ecology established within the Papal Villas of Castel Gandolfo. Inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato si’, the centre promotes reflection and action on environmental protection, social responsibility and sustainable development.
Speaking at the conclusion of the meeting, Pope Leo described the gathering as the beginning of a larger journey aimed at renewing moral leadership in a world that often appears divided and disconnected from its historical foundations.
He stressed the importance of dialogue as a way of responding to modern challenges and finding solutions that serve the common good. According to the Pope, genuine dialogue can help societies identify new paths toward a dignified life for everyone while encouraging cooperation across cultural, political and social differences.
The Pope also warned about what he called a growing spiritual and cultural blindness that risks separating people from their historical memory. He said there is an increasing tendency to believe that societies can move forward by cutting themselves off from the lessons and experiences of the past. Such thinking, he cautioned, can weaken moral awareness and make people forget the consequences of previous human tragedies.
Pope Leo noted that even individuals who claim to uphold strong moral values can sometimes fall into the mistake of believing that the painful events of the twentieth century could never happen again. He warned that this attitude can lead to complacency and a dangerous neglect of history's lessons.
The Holy Father praised the participants for embracing the Church’s vision of synodality, which encourages listening, collaboration and shared responsibility. He said the dialogues brought together people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise while maintaining a common commitment to social, ecological and economic renewal.
Turning to the rapid development of technology and economic systems, Pope Leo highlighted the ethical questions raised by these changes. He contrasted two different visions of society. One, he said, is driven by the pursuit of profit at any cost and risks placing economic interests above human dignity, particularly the wellbeing of vulnerable people. The other seeks to build communities based on respect, solidarity and care for one another.
Using biblical imagery, the Pope warned against creating a modern “Tower of Babel,” which he said reflects the dangers of excessive focus on profit and technological power without ethical guidance. Instead, he encouraged Christians and people of goodwill to work toward what he called the “New Jerusalem,” a society built on love, justice and respect for human dignity.
Pope Leo emphasised that such a civilisation would not emerge through dramatic or extraordinary actions. Rather, it would be built through countless everyday acts of kindness, responsibility and faithfulness that protect human values and resist dehumanisation.
He also reflected on the significance of holding the event within the natural beauty of the Pontifical Gardens at Castel Gandolfo. The setting, he said, offered participants an opportunity to draw inspiration from creation while reflecting on humanity’s responsibility toward the environment and future generations.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo thanked all those involved in the initiative and expressed hope that the conversations begun at Castel Gandolfo would continue through future meetings and projects. He encouraged participants to carry forward the spirit of cooperation and ethical leadership as they work to address the complex challenges facing the modern world.