On Oct. 9, Pope Leo XIV released his first apostolic exhortation, “Dilexi Te.” Gerard O’Connell, America’s senior Vatican correspondent, provided analysis for our online readers (“Pope Leo in first major document: Love for the poor is not optional for Christians”), writing that the exhortation was a continuation of Pope Francis’ message of love and caring for the poor and marginalized. Mr. O’Connell noted that Leo criticized “ideologies that defend the absolute autonomy of the marketplace and financial speculation” and said that extreme poverty “should constantly weigh upon our consciences.” The pope also said, “contact with those who are lowly and powerless is a fundamental way of encountering the Lord of history.” Our readers had much to say in response.
This should be so obvious. But we seem to need a reminder, a call to follow Jesus, be a Christian, be a Catholic. How can this be overlooked? Jesus showed us by his example and called us to follow, and the church has taught this for 2,000 years. Are we so swept up in capitalism? Of course. And a particularly strident and active and narrow capitalism benefiting only a few, while more and more are left out. How have so many strayed away from following Jesus? Did he die in vain?
James Lein
Many people want a religion that does not challenge but only compliments their personal prejudices. Still, the truth is the truth. God has a preferential love for the poor—no denying that. Thank God for Leo following in Francis’ footsteps.
Karl Schilken
This is true Catholic social teaching. I’m especially grateful that labor rights were mentioned among the popular movements we should support.
Chris Streip
Too many, it would appear, do not listen to and take in the story of Lazarus and the rich man, as well as Matthew 25, among so many others. This seems wholly in concert with those exhortations from Christ himself. Much gratitude for this.
Michael Neary
Thank God for the blessing of Pope Leo to follow Pope Francis. I hope the American bishops embrace this teaching and preach it from every pulpit in the country. This is the first joy and happiness I have experienced since Pope Francis’ letter to the U.S. bishops on the dignity of immigrants (issued on Feb. 10), especially hopeful in the midst of so much horrific news in our country.
Peter Devine
I am praising God that the Holy Father is continuing Pope Francis’ emphasis on the poor. It is so timely, especially for Catholics in the United States. I just hope the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops takes it to heart.
Darla Meeks
Wow! I would like to say many things in thanksgiving to Pope Francis and Pope Leo about their love for the Lord, the church and the poor, but the state of my entire being is in such a moment of joy that I want to enjoy this precious moment as it came. This is a balm to my soul.
Oscar Jaramillo
This embrace of the poor is really a call to a leaner life: Reduce the wants and the needs. And also look and see “the other” as ourselves. No one is “other” unless we other them.
Thomas Gosse
Pope Leo’s continuity with Pope Francis (santo subito!) mirrors Pope Francis’ continuity with Pope Benedict XVI. Just as Francis picked up where Benedict left off by finishing “Lumen Fidei,” Leo does the same for Francis in this exhortation that Francis started. Despite the riches of the Vatican, Leo identifies his pontificate with the poverty of the poor Christ in the poor of the world. May we follow his lead.
Agustin Paz
Of course there will be resistance to Pope Leo’s teaching, just as there always has been to Leo XIII’s “Rerum Novarum.” Fortunately, Jesus answered very clearly when asked, “Who is my neighbor?”
Stephen Kaneb
This article appears in December 2025.
Politics
Faith
Culture
Vatican
Scripture
Podcasts