Pope Leo XIV Issues Apostolic Exhortation Calling for Renewed Commitment to the Poor

Vatican City, October 4, 2025 — In a landmark document that marks the beginning of his papacy, Pope Leo XIV has issued a powerful call to action for the Catholic Church to renew its commitment to the poor and marginalized. The apostolic exhortation Dilexi te ("I have loved you"), released on October 4, 2025, urges Catholics worldwide to respond to the deepening social and economic challenges of the modern world, with an emphasis on the dignity of the poor.

The document draws inspiration from the late Pope Francis' final encyclical, Dilexit nos ("He loved us"), which centered on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Dilexi te builds on this spiritual foundation, highlighting the inseparable bond between love for Christ and love for the poor. In his exhortation, Pope Leo XIV stresses that "love for the Lord... is one with love for the poor," calling on the faithful to serve the marginalized with compassion and care.

A Continuation of Pope Francis' Legacy

Dilexi te is not only a new direction for Pope Leo XIV but also a continuation of Pope Francis' influential social teachings. According to Vatican sources, the apostolic exhortation was drafted by Pope Francis before his passing earlier this year, and Pope Leo XIV revised the text to ensure its alignment with his vision for the future of the Church. The document is thus imbued with a deep sense of continuity with the past while addressing the pressing issues of the present and future.

"Those who care for the poor care for Christ," Pope Leo XIV writes, quoting Jesus' words in the Gospel of Matthew. He urges the faithful to move beyond mere charity to a deeper recognition of the poor as Christ himself. "It is no longer enough to act out of piety or kindness alone," the Pope writes. "We must serve the poor with justice, confronting the systemic inequalities that cause suffering."

Key Themes of Dilexi te

In his apostolic exhortation, Pope Leo XIV explores several key themes that are central to the mission of the Church in the contemporary world:

1. God’s Love for the Poor: Drawing from the biblical tradition, Pope Leo XIV highlights the consistent message throughout Scripture that God is identified with the poor and marginalized. From the prophets of the Old Testament to the teachings of Jesus, the Church's care for the poor is depicted not only as a moral duty but as an essential part of the Christian faith.

2. Catholic Social Teaching: The document situates the Church’s commitment to the poor within the broader framework of Catholic social teaching, harkening back to the landmark encyclicals of Pope Leo XIII and Pope John Paul II. Pope Leo XIV calls on the Church to remember its historical role in advocating for social justice and to strengthen its efforts in addressing both material and spiritual poverty.

3. Confronting Modern Challenges: In a direct critique of current global economic systems, Pope Leo XIV addresses the new forms of poverty that have emerged in the 21st century. The document critiques the dominance of profit-driven economic models that prioritize financial gain over human dignity. Pope Leo XIV also raises concerns about the growing wealth inequality and the failure of many economic systems to ensure that the basic needs of all people are met.

4. A Call to Action: Above all, Dilexi te is a call for action. Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to recognize Christ in the poor and vulnerable and to act decisively in their lives, their communities, and their political spheres to dismantle the systemic structures that perpetuate poverty. "We must not be indifferent," the Pope writes. "If we are to truly love God, we must love His people."

Pope Leo XIV: A Pope for the New Industrial Revolution

In a symbolic gesture that connects the past with the future, Pope Robert Francis Prevost, who took the name Pope Leo XIV upon his election in May 2025, emphasized his commitment to social justice through the example of Pope Leo XIII. The choice of name reflects Pope Leo XIV’s intention to apply the principles of Catholic social teaching to the challenges posed by the new industrial revolution, particularly the rapid development of artificial intelligence and its impact on the labor market.

Pope Leo XIII, known for his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, advocated for the rights of workers during the first industrial revolution, and Pope Leo XIV is now looking to address similar issues in the context of a globalized, technologically driven world. Dilexi te does not shy away from the emerging ethical questions surrounding AI, automation, and their effects on global inequality. Pope Leo XIV stresses that the dignity of the human person must remain central to all economic and technological advancements.

A Vision for the Future

In his concluding remarks, Pope Leo XIV reiterates that the Church’s work is far from over. "We are called to a new evangelization," he writes, "one that challenges us not just to preach the Gospel but to live it—especially in how we treat the least among us." The call to action is clear: Catholics are invited to confront the economic, social, and political systems that perpetuate poverty and injustice, guided by the love of Christ for all people.

As the Church begins this new chapter under Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, Dilexi te serves as both a spiritual and practical guide, offering a path forward that reaffirms the timeless Catholic commitment to the poor while addressing the unique challenges of the modern world.