Catholic politicians should contribute to establishing a 'city of God,' according to the Pope's statement.

Pope Leo XIV Calls for a 'Politics of Hope' to Promote Human Flourishing

Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the importance of a 'politics of hope' and an 'economics of hope' in his recent remarks, urging Catholic legislators to enact laws that reflect love of God and love of neighbor. This call to action reflects a theological vision that seeks to anchor individuals in the face of changing currents and to infuse earthly society with the values of God's kingdom to promote human flourishing.

The pope's vision is rooted in the teachings of Saint Augustine, who wrote "The City of God" in the early fifth century. In this seminal work, Augustine presented a vision of two intertwined cities: the City of Man, characterized by the pursuit of power, prestige, and pleasure, and the City of God, built on love of God, selflessness, justice, charity, and humility.

According to Pope Leo XIV, the future of human flourishing depends on whether society is organized around selfish love or love of God and neighbor. Authentic human flourishing, he says, is integral human development, encompassing each person's physical, social, cultural, moral, and spiritual well-being. It includes the freedom to seek truth, worship God, and raise families in peace, as well as a harmony with creation and a sense of solidarity across social classes and nations.

The pope's remarks follow those of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who in January asked ambassadors serving at the Vatican to promote a 'diplomacy of hope'. This emphasis on hope is fitting, given the theme of the International Catholic Legislators Network's annual meeting held in Rome in August 2021: "The New World Order: Major Power Politics, Corporate Dominions and the Future of Human Flourishing."

During this meeting, Pope Francis, who was then the pope, received the International Catholic Legislators Network. Pope Leo XIV, who was elected much later, in 2025, has since continued to emphasize the importance of this theme. He encourages Christians to be bridge-builders between the City of God and the City of Man, working towards a world where power is tamed by conscience, and law serves human dignity.

"The City of God," Augustine's work, offers a vision of hope and meaning that can still speak to us today, according to Pope Leo. He believes that this vision can provide guidance for legislators as they navigate the complexities of modern politics and economics. By turning to Augustine's work, Pope Leo hopes to help legislators understand their task and the role of Christians in building the kingdom of God.

St. Augustine was a leading voice of the church in the late Roman era and witnessed immense upheavals and social disintegration. His insights into the nature of human society and the role of God in shaping human history remain relevant today, providing a foundation for Pope Leo's vision of human flourishing.

In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV's theological vision provides a compass for legislators and all Christians as they strive to build a world where every person can live in peace, freedom, and fulfillment according to God's plan. By anchoring their actions in love of God and love of neighbor, they can contribute to authentic human flourishing and help to shape a brighter future for all.

Catholic politicians should contribute to establishing a 'city of God,' according to the Pope's statement.