INCLA INSIGHTS ON CONSECRATED LIFE

Each Pontificate is marked by its peculiar socio-political and historical milieu. Thus far, what the nascent pontificate of Leo XIV heralds is borne out of the context of the present state of volatility in the world that is enmeshed in wars and crises across the continents. Pax. The very first words pronounced by Pope Leo XIV from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, Rome, on May 8, 2025, alongside the choice of name are no mere coincident. One hundred and twenty-two years ago marked the end of the pontificate of Leo XIII who raised the Catholic Social Doctrine to a new pedestal and made it central to the mission of the Church ad gentes while making it to remain in the consciousness of the Church in her identity. Then came Leo XIV pronouncing "peace to the world" as his first message which is undoubtedly loaded with meaning and equally symbolic. Following his greeting of peace, Leo XIV already sets the tone of his pontificate. The greeting was not necessarily inspired by the liturgical season of Eastertide. It was inspired by the Risen Lord himself who offered the gift of peace as his first gift after his resurrection, the new pontiff explained moments later in his scripted speech.

Open Full Text (PDF)