Ahead of the publication of Leo\u02bcs first encyclical, what do his writings and speeches, both before and after his election, reveal about his thought?<\/p>\n
During his papacy and before, Pope Leo XIV has revealed his thought on a myriad of issues in his speeches, homilies, and writings, and several clear themes have emerged. <\/p>\n
He has made artificial intelligence a priority and has also not hesitated to speak out against war, calling for, as he has often repeated, a \u201cdisarmed and disarming peace.\u201d In his first homily as pope, he also underlined his desire for \u201ca united Church, a sign of unity and communion.\u201d<\/p>\n
What do Leo\u02bcs writings, both before and after his election, reveal about his priorities for the Church and the world? <\/p>\n
Augustinian ideal of authority: His doctoral thesis<\/p>\n
The then-Father Robert Prevost successfully defended his doctoral thesis in canon law at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome in 1987. His thesis, titled \u201cThe Office and Authority of the Local Prior in the Order of St. Augustine,\u201d discussed the role of local priors in the Augustinian order based on Augustine\u2019s monastic rule.<\/p>\n
Considered by many to be his major literary work before he became pope, Prevost argued that the authority of priors within the Augustinian order must serve the common good of the entire community. The thesis also clarified the juridical power of priors and stated that they must find joy in serving before exercising authority.<\/p>\n
\u2018Liberi Sotto la Grazia\u2019: A collection of Prevost\u02bcs writings as Augustinian prior general<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, the Vatican published a book of the previously unpublished writing, homilies, and speeches of Prevost when he was the Augustinian prior general from 2001\u20132013.<\/p>\n
The book, currently in Italian but expected to be published in English as well, reveals several general themes from addresses he gave as he traveled extensively to support Augustinian communities around the world. These themes include a stress on unity, servant leadership, social justice, and constant spiritual renewal.<\/p>\n
Peace, unity, and ethical use of technology: Writings as pope<\/p>\n
Since his election as the successor of Peter, Leo\u02bcs writings and public addresses have revealed key aspects of his pastoral and theological vision for the Church.<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV\u02bcs first encyclical is expected to be released on Monday, May 25. The Vatican has confirmed that the full title of the encyclical is Magnifica Humanitas: \u201cOn the Protection of Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.\u201d Leo signed the letter, which is expected to provide moral guidance on the digital revolution and emerging technologies such as AI, on May 15.<\/p>\n
This article was originally published by EWTN News English.<\/p>\n