Table of Contents
Dear TLI family,
In a recent audience at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV shared a powerful message that speaks directly to the core mission and heart of Tepeyac Leadership. Addressing members of the Leo XIV International Study Center, the Holy Father praised the historical legacy of laypeople and religious who helped shape Catholic social teaching, describing them as courageous pioneers of "a Church forging ahead in new directions." His words offer both a profound validation of our global apostolate and a timely, inspiring charge for every single member of our TLI family.
Reflecting on the rich development of the Church’s social doctrine, Pope Leo XIV emphasized a fundamental truth: the Church's analysis of modern social, labor, economic, and cultural issues would not have been possible without the active contribution of the laity. Throughout history, faithful men and women living directly in the world grappled with the complex challenges of their era, bringing the transformative light of Christian revelation into the public square. They did not retreat from civil society, nor did they remain passive observers. Instead, they stepped forward to lead with moral clarity, professional excellence, and authentic faith.
Today, as our Holy Father observed, we are undergoing another profound epochal change. The contemporary world presents intricate challenges that demand constant interaction between ordinary citizens and experts, between the faithful and the Church's magisterium, and between individuals and public institutions. Facing these rapid cultural shifts, it is easy for lay Catholics to feel overwhelmed or tempted by passive resignation. Yet, Pope Leo XIV reminded us, quoting his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, that we view history in the light of the crucified and risen Lord. We must never view the present as a predetermined fate, but rather as an opportunity for personal and collective conversion.
Ad: Discover the place where Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to St. Juan Diego. See her image. And join Archbishop José Gómez, Bishop Thomas Olmsted and Bishop Timothy Freyer for The Hour of the Laity 2026 in Mexico City.
This profound vision is precisely why the Tepeyac Leadership Initiative exists. Our core purpose is to form lay Catholic professionals to enter secular institutions and lead with virtue, integrity, and unwavering conviction. The Holy Father explicitly called for intentional formation for public and political life conceived as a genuine service to the common good, urging future leaders to foster responsibility toward the broader community and build authentic relationships grounded in solidarity, justice, and lasting peace. Crucially, he acknowledged that fulfilling this mission often comes "at the cost of swimming against the tide." As Tepeyac Leaders, and the larger TLI family, you understand this reality daily. Leading authentically in civil society requires rising above mere careerism to serve human dignity.
Furthermore, Pope Leo XIV challenged us to become "experts in God's newness." This is not a mere superficial novelty that dazzles with speed or efficiency, but the quiet, transformative work of God that frees our culture from dead ends and opens new paths along which we may journey together. As the Pope beautifully noted, love binds in order to liberate, unites in order to generate, and commits in order to build. When we integrate our Catholic faith into fields like business, law, healthcare, education, media, and governance, we become active instruments of this divine cultural renewal.
As we continue our vital mission and work this week, let us renew our shared commitment to this high calling. Let us reject cynicism, mistrust, and fear, stepping into the public square with renewed hope, courage, and apostolic vision. Together, as living stones of the Catholic Church in the modern world today, let us forge ahead in new directions, weaving true peace, building a civilization of love, and serving the common good for the greater glory of Almighty God.
Sincerely in yours Christ and Our Lady of Guadalupe,
P.S. Join Archbishop José Gómez, Bishop Thomas Olmsted and Bishop Timothy Freyer for The Hour of the Laity 2026 in Mexico City. In the videos bellow you will see what they have to say about THL2026.
Ad: Tepeyac Leadership’s Leadership for the World is a $2 million, three year mission to form lay Catholic leaders for the public square. Without formation, others fill the void. Will you step in or step aside now, when it matters most?
