Pope Leo XIV has called on faith communities around the world to “act together” to confront the deepening crises facing humanity — from human suffering and environmental destruction to the misuse of religion and artificial intelligence.
“More than ever, our world needs our unity, our friendship and our collaboration,” the pope told thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square during his General Audience on October 29.
“Each one of our religions can contribute to alleviating human suffering and taking care of our common home, our planet Earth,” he said.
The pontiff’s appeal came as he marked the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council’s declaration that reshaped the Church’s relationship with other religions.
Pope Leo warned that believers must remain “vigilant against the abuse of the name of God, of religion, and of dialogue itself,” adding that faith communities must also confront “the dangers posed by religious fundamentalism and extremism.”
He cautioned that emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, could “gravely violate [humanity’s] infinite dignity and neutralize [its] fundamental responsibilities” if treated as a substitute for human beings.
“Our traditions have an immense contribution to make to the humanization of technology and therefore to inspire its regulation, to protect fundamental human rights,” he said.
The pope stressed that interreligious dialogue must not remain “solely intellectual, but profoundly spiritual,” rooted in love as “the only foundation of peace, justice and reconciliation.”
He called on religious leaders and believers to renew hope and solidarity in a world “devastated by war and our degraded natural environment.”
“Let us collaborate, because if we are united, everything is possible. Let us ensure that nothing divides us,” he said.
At the close of the audience, Pope Leo expressed solidarity with the people of Jamaica and Cuba, where Hurricane Melissa has caused widespread destruction. He offered prayers for the victims and thanked Christian communities and volunteers for their ongoing relief efforts.
