At the 16th Annual Meeting of the International Catholic Legislators Network held on August 23, 2025, Pope Leo XIV issued a compelling invitation to Catholic lawmakers: to ground their political vision in the enduring wisdom of St. Augustine’s City of God. Speaking in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, the Holy Father urged legislators to transcend today's narrow measures of success, wealth, power, and comfort, and embrace a deeper, spiritually rooted understanding of human flourishing.
From Material Prosperity to Virtue and Human Dignity
Pope Leo warned against reducing flourishing to superficial attainments. Instead, true hope lies where individuals, made in the image of God, live virtuously and within supportive communities. Flourishing, he emphasized, is measured not by possessions but by identity as children of God. He urged legislators to promote laws that uphold human dignity, foster freedom to seek truth and worship, protect families, encourage harmony with creation, and cultivate solidarity across social and national boundaries.
Two Cities, One Destiny: Insight from Augustine
Reflecting on the tumultuous era that inspired The City of God, Pope Leo reminded attendees of Augustine’s profound contrast between the “City of Man” and the “City of God.” The City of Man springs from pride and self-love, marked by the pursuit of power, prestige, and pleasure. In contrast, the City of God is built on love of God, selflessness, justice, charity, and humility. Legislators are called to move their constituents from one city to the other, as bridge-builders in public life.
Politics and Economics Rooted in Hope
Pope Leo expanded this ancient wisdom into a modern framework, underscoring the need for what he termed a “politics of hope” and even an “economics of hope.” These concepts are anchored in the belief that, with divine grace, society can reflect Christ’s light within the earthly city, even amid crises.
The following are four leadership lessons we can draw for Catholic professionals.
- Conscience-Driven Governance
As Pope Leo stressed, power must be tamed by conscience, and law must champion human dignity. This insistence underscores the ethical responsibility leaders bear in shaping policy beyond mere pragmatism.
- Charting a Two-City Mindset
Augustine’s dichotomy remains deeply relevant. Catholic professionals are called to discern when to challenge and reform the City of Man, all while building structures and systems that reflect the City of God’s virtues.
- Advancing Inclusive Human Flourishing
Authentic flourishing embraces the fullness of human potential. As framed by Pope Leo, rooted in freedom, community, the marketplace of truth, solidarity, and care for creation, this vision invites leaders to champion policy that nurtures holistic human development.
- Infusing Hope into Public Life
In a world beset by cynicism, Pope Leo’s call for hope in politics and economics provides a clarion reminder: leadership can and must be animated by a vision that goes beyond survival to aspire to justice, peace, and human dignity.
Conclusion: Embracing the Bridge-Builder Vocation
For Catholic professionals committed to leadership in civil society, like those at Tepeyac Leadership, Pope Leo XIV’s message is both a challenge and an inspiration. The common priesthood in public service calls for more than competency, it also requires courage. By heeding Augustine’s vision through the lens of conscience, humility, and hope, lay Catholic leaders are empowered to steward society toward flourishing that is truly Christian and human.
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