Leo XIV celebrates the 175 years of the Jesuit magazine “La Civiltà Cattolica”

Leo XIV received in the Hall of the Consistory of the Vatican Apostolic Palace this Thursday, September 25 to the Superior of the Society of Jesus, P. Artuso Sosa, and the collaborators of the magazine “La Civiltà Cattolica” on its 175th anniversary.

The Pontiff thanked “the faithful and generous service that you have provided to the Apostolic Headquarters for so many years”, highlighting that the publication makes the Church present “in the world of culture, in tune with the teachings of the Pope and the guidelines of the Holy See.”

In particular, Leo XIV valued that “one of its characteristics is to know how to approach the present without being afraid to face their challenges and contradictions.”

Throughout his speech, he wanted to stop in three areas that he considers significant about the work performed by the magazine: “Educate people for an intelligent and active commitment in the world, become the voice of the last and be heralds of hope.”

In reference to the first aspect, the Pontiff appreciated that the publication “can help your readers better understand the complex society in which we live, evaluating their potentialities and weaknesses, in the search for those ‘signs of the times’ to whose attention the Second Vatican Council called us”, which will allow readers to “make valid contributions, also on a political level, on issues such as social equity technological, peace ”.

For Leo XIV, the articles of “Civiltà Cattolica” can offer “hermeneutical instruments and useful action criteria, so that everyone can contribute to build a more fair and fraternal world, in truth and freedom.”

Focused on the second aspect of their reflection, giving voice to the poor and excluded, the Pontiff added: “Being the voice of the little faithful and prophetic of the voice of the needy, breaking every circle of isolation, loneliness and deafness. ”

Thirdly, in terms of being Herald of Hope, the Pope stated that it is “to oppose the indifferentism of those who remain insensitive to others and their legitimate need for the future, as well as to overcome the disappointment of those who no longer believe in the possibility of undertaking new paths, but above all to remember and proclaim that for us the ultimate hope is Christ, our path.”

“In Him and with Him, there are no longer dead ends on our way, or realities that, as hard and complicated, can stop us and prevent us from loving God and brothers with confidence,” he added.

Finally, Leo XIV summarized the mission of “Civiltà Cattolica” with these words: “Capture the look of Christ over the world, cultivate it, communicate it, testify it.”