New Pope Continues Francis's Legacy in Historic Document
Pope Leo XIV has issued his first major teaching document, an apostolic exhortation titled Dilexi te (I Have Loved You), which calls for addressing the structural causes of poverty and economic inequality. The 121-paragraph document, released on October 9, 2025, represents the new pontiff's first significant contribution to Catholic social teaching since his election in May 2025.
Completing Francis's Work
The document was largely written by Pope Francis before his resignation and represents a continuation of his predecessor's vision. 'This apostolic exhortation completes the work of my predecessor, who chose the title and began this important reflection on our Christian duty toward the poor,' Pope Leo wrote in his accompanying handwritten note to bishops. The document serves as a companion to Francis's final encyclical Dilexit nos (He Has Loved Us), creating a thematic bridge between the two pontificates.
Confronting Economic Injustice
In one of the document's most powerful sections, Pope Leo condemns what he calls the 'dictatorship of a deadly economy' that enriches the few at the expense of the many. He cites startling statistics showing that CEOs now earn 600 times more than average workers, compared to just 4-6 times more sixty years ago. 'This growing inequality represents a fundamental failure of our economic systems and a betrayal of human dignity,' the Pope asserts.
The document draws heavily from Pope Leo's personal experience as a missionary in Peru, where he witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of poverty and economic marginalization. 'Having spent twenty years among the poor in Latin America, I have seen how economic systems can either uplift or crush human potential,' he writes.
Migration and Human Dignity
Pope Leo strongly endorses his predecessor's approach to migration, adopting Francis's four verbs for dealing with migrants: 'welcome, protect, promote, and integrate.' He emphasizes that 'in every rejected migrant, it is Christ himself who knocks at the door of the community.' This message carries particular significance given Pope Leo's background as the first American pope and his extensive work with migrant communities in Peru.
Practical Implementation
The document calls for concrete action at both individual and institutional levels. Pope Leo urges bishops worldwide to implement the teachings in their local churches and encourages all Catholics to see care for the poor not as optional but as essential to their faith. 'Indifference to the suffering of the poor is incompatible with authentic Christian discipleship,' he states unequivocally.
The Vatican has announced that Cardinals Michael Czerny and Konrad Krajewski will lead the implementation efforts, ensuring the document's teachings translate into practical action within Catholic communities worldwide.
Sources: Vatican Official Document, Vatican News, America Magazine