“Peace be with all of you.” Those were the first words of Pope Leo XIV as he addressed the crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square. The spiritual and pastoral direction of the new pontificate was clearly outlined by this gesture. Monsignor Mario Toso, the Bishop of Faenza-Modigliana, shares his thoughts on this new chapter for the Church, reflecting on the meaning of the chosen papal name, on Pope Leo XIV’s attention to social justice, and the global challenges he is poised to address.
Your Excellency, Pope Prevost chose a papal name that is clearly connected to Leo XIII. What is the significance of this choice?
The choice of the name Leo XIV has a highly symbolic meaning. It clearly refers to Leo XIII, the Pope renowned for his social encyclicals, such as Rerum Novarum, along with his more political documents, including Diuturnum Illud, Immortale Dei and Libertas Praestantissimum. Leo XIV’s choice of this name suggests that he intends to follow in his predecessor’s footsteps, placing peace, social justice, the dignity of work and the freedom of the Church at the heart of his pontificate.
Leo XIV’s attention to social and global issues is reflected in his first speeches. How do you interpret this choice?
Leo XIV instantly evidenced his openness to the fundamental questions of our time.
He spoke of peace, but not a peace that is just in theory: a disarmed and disarming peace, a humble peace that touches people’s hearts.
He also addressed the transformations in the world of work, particularly those brought about by artificial intelligence. The Pope referenced AI as the “new challenge” for the defense of human dignity, to be addressed with a humanistic approach to ensure that technology is used for the good of all, and not dismissed outright.
Is AI one of the most pressing challenges of our time?
It certainly is. Pope Leo XIV made it clear that the issue at hand is not a demonisation of algorithms, but rather understanding how they can be governed and steered towards ensuring respect for human dignity. The Pope’s approach is rooted in the Church’s social doctrine, specifically in the principle of transcendent personalism, whereby the human person is at the heart of all technological and economic processes.
Along with AI, Leo XIV made reference to climate change and the ecological transition. How are these issues connected to the social doctrine of the Church?
Pope Leo XIV follows the path paved by Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’. He emphasised the urgent need for global, coordinated responses to climate change, viewing it not only as an environmental issue, but also as a matter of social justice. Care for creation and attention to the poor are two sides of the same coin.
Under his guidance, the Church is set to embrace the promotion of an integral ecology, uniting environmental protection with the fight against inequality.
How will his experience at the international level and his ties to the Order of Saint Augustine inform his pontificate?
The Pope’s global outlook and authentic openness to the world are both shaped by his North American and Latin American background, as well as his twenty years of missionary experience in Peru and his fluency in several languages. That experience has equipped him with an understanding of the various ecclesial realities in both the peripheries and big cities, enabling him to address global challenges with a missionary spirit. His spiritual connection with Saint Augustine was immediately evident in his words: “With you I am a Christian, for you I am a bishop.” This clearly reflects his humble nature and his closeness to the people.
The Pope referred to a “new civilisation of love” and the need to strengthen international institutions. How do you envisage this path being realised?
The Holy Father believes that fraternity, solidarity, and social justice should form the foundations of a new civilisation of love.
He also mentioned reforming international institutions and creating new bodies, such as a global organisation for the environment.
This is a beacon of hope and a tangible commitment: not merely a diagnosis, but a roadmap for reforms that aspire to a more equitable and sustainable world.
How is the Diocese of Faenza-Modigliana welcoming this new Pontiff?
We welcome him with great joy and hope. Pope Leo XIV has already shown us his open heart towards the world and his profound faith in Christ. The Church in Faenza joins him in prayer and in our daily commitment to peace and justice. We shall proceed with confidence along this path, accompanying the Holy Father on his mission.
