Daniel del Castillo González
One day after the U.S. midterm elections, Pope Leo XIV has devoted his catechesis to the responsibility of those who hold political power.
The pope, who also took part in the election by voting by mail, has drawn on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council to reflect on the economy, politics and the role of work.
POPE LEO XIV
Work is at the heart of the economy. Through work, people develop as individuals, provide for their families, express their talents, take part in social life and help build a better world by sharing in God's creative work.
Pope Leo XIV stressed that workers have the right to take part in decisions affecting their work, including through associations, with dialogue as a key ally.
POPE LEO XIV
Work must never be distorted in ways that harm people, the common good or creation. The real challenge is to give everyone the opportunity to put their abilities to use. Unemployment, exploitation and working conditions that endanger people's health and lives are unacceptable.
Another principle the pope revisited was the earth's resources, consumption and the role of those in government.
POPE LEO XIV
The political community exists to serve the common good.
The exercise of political authority must always be guided by the common good. Its structure and actions may vary according to local and historical circumstances, but it must always keep the good of the entire human family in view.
The audience came ahead of the pope's next apostolic journey. He will depart for Latin America on Friday 6 and remain there through November 17.
During his greetings, he also remembered 80 martyrs who died during Spain's religious persecution in 1936 and 1937.
