Pope: Building the ‘civilisation of love’ requires courage and humble leadership

Vatican News

Pope Leo on Friday welcomed participants in the first edition of the Borgo Laudato si’ Dialogues. The participants had gathered at Borgo Laudato si’ in Castel Gandolfo for two days of discussions on some of the most pressing issues facing humanity today, including artificial intelligence and its impact on human dignity, healthy ageing, sports diplomacy, and environmental sustainability.

The initiative forms part of the broader mission of Borgo Laudato si’, established in the Papal Villas of Castel Gandolfo as a centre for integral ecology inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 Encyclical Laudato si’. The dialogues brought together experts, practitioners and leaders from different countries and disciplines to explore how ethical leadership can contribute to ecological, social and economic transformation.

Reimagining moral leadership 

Addressing the participants at the conclusion of their meeting, Pope Leo described the gathering as “the first step of a process aimed at renewing and reimagining moral leadership in a world that today appears fractured and forgetful of its historical roots.”

Reflecting on some of the themes developed in his Encyclical Magnifica humanitas, the Pope reiterated the importance of dialogue in confronting contemporary challenges. “We seek to identify new paths for the common good and for promoting a dignified life for all,” he said, recalling his call “to engage in dialogue with all men and women of our time, with whom we share in the events, questions and aspirations of humanity.”

The Holy Father warned against what he called a growing “spiritual and cultural blindness” that risks disconnecting society from its historical memory. “A false pragmatism,” he said, “urges us to sever the roots of our history, as if it were possible to inaugurate a kind of ‘new creation’ detached from the past.” He also cautioned that even those who invoke moral principles can fall into a form of “historical nihilism,” mistakenly believing that the tragedies of the twentieth century cannot be repeated.

Pope Leo then went on to note that the dialogues were inspired by the Church’s vision of synodality, bringing together diverse voices while seeking unity around shared concerns. He commended participants for their commitment to promoting ecological, social and economic renewal despite their different backgrounds and areas of expertise.

The challenges of technological development

Turning to the ethical challenges posed by technological and economic development, the Pope contrasted two opposing visions of society. “In the face of the temptation to build the ‘Tower of Babel,’ which represents the idolatry of profit at the expense of the most vulnerable and enhances the risk of dehumanisation,” he said, Christians are called instead “to contribute to the construction of the New Jerusalem, the civilization of love.”

The Pope explained that such a civilisation is built not through grand gestures but through daily acts of fidelity and care. “The civilisation of love will not arise from a single or spectacular gesture, but from the sum total of small and steadfast acts of fidelity that serve as a bulwark against dehumanization,” he said.

Pope Leo also highlighted the significance of holding the meeting within the natural surroundings of the Pontifical Gardens at Borgo Laudato si’, where participants were able to draw inspiration from “the beauty of creation – and of the Creator” while seeking to connect local experiences with global responsibility.

Thanking those present for their commitment, the Holy Father concluded by expressing his hope that the process begun at Castel Gandolfo would continue through future encounters and initiatives.