Pope Leo XIV led the General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, continuing his discussion of Gaudium et Spes.
His focus this time was the relationship between faith and culture.
The Second Vatican Council’s Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes, reflecting on the Church in the modern world, also addresses the topic of culture. In promoting culture in all its forms, the Church has always combined the proclamation of the Gospel with the establishment of schools, seeking to foster human and spiritual formation, encouraging believers to give an account of their faith (cf. 1 Pet 3:15–17) and preparing all peoples to receive the Gospel. The authentic relationship between faith and culture is rooted in the Incarnation. Faith, therefore, enriches and brings to fulfillment every culture it encounters, and is itself called to become a culture that is shaped by Christ. In this way, Gaudium et Spes affirms the need to cultivate a fruitful integration of knowledge, expressed in a way of living the faith marked by a positive outlook on the world and history.
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I extend a warm welcome to all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially those from England, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Ghana, Japan, Jordan, Laos, Pakistan, the Philippines, Canada and the United States of America. In particular, I greet the members of the Youth Group from the Diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago on their pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. Upon each of you and your families, I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you all!
