Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
To the excitement of thousands of pilgrims, the General Audience returned to the open air of St. Peter’s Square this Wednesday. Welcoming the faithful beneath the Roman sky, Pope Leo XIV began a new series of catecheses on the Second Vatican Council’s Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes.
Reflecting on the document, the Holy Father emphasized the Church’s pastoral duty to engage directly with the contemporary world, sharing in its joys and sorrows while advocating tirelessly for the poor and marginalized. In a world marked by profound change and inequality—such as technological progress that benefits only a few—Pope Leo stressed that Christians must be attentive to the “signs of the times” and interpret them in the light of the Gospel.
“Each of us, then, is called to play our part in welcoming and listening to the deepest questions and longings of the human heart,” he said, urging the faithful to make “present to all the merciful love of Christ our Savior.”
To the excitement of thousands of pilgrims, the General Audience returned to the open air of St. Peter’s Square this Wednesday. Welcoming the faithful beneath the Roman sky, Pope Leo XIV began a new series of catecheses on the Second Vatican Council’s Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes.
Reflecting on the document, the Holy Father emphasized the Church’s pastoral duty to engage directly with the contemporary world, sharing in its joys and sorrows while advocating tirelessly for the poor and marginalized. In a world marked by profound change and inequality—such as technological progress that benefits only a few—Pope Leo stressed that Christians must be attentive to the “signs of the times” and interpret them in the light of the Gospel.
“Each of us, then, is called to play our part in welcoming and listening to the deepest questions and longings of the human heart,” he said, urging the faithful to make “present to all the merciful love of Christ our Savior.”
