Pope Leo XIV’s teaching on faith and culture offers a common thread for his upcoming visit to Latin America and his invitation to young Catholics to attend World Youth Day. On Relevant in Rome, Ashley Noronha and Mark Swartzberg discussed how these encounters help Catholics grow in faith and strengthen their participation in the Church’s mission.
Reporting from Rome, Ashley described the Holy Father’s Wednesday General Audience, where he continued his reflections on the Second Vatican Council through its Pastoral Constitution, Gaudium et Spes. His catechesis emphasized the relationship between Christian faith and cultural life, encouraging Catholics to engage contemporary society with discernment and charity.
The Church’s longstanding commitment to schools and universities reflects its concern for both spiritual and intellectual formation. Ashley explained that advances in knowledge also raise questions that require Christians to deepen their understanding of the faith and communicate it clearly.
Faith must take root in daily life, finding expression through language, traditions, education, and the arts. At the same time, the Gospel belongs to every people and cannot be confined to a single culture. The Church’s task includes recognizing truth and beauty within different societies while helping people bring their lives into conformity with Christ.
Ashley also highlighted the Pope’s encouragement of continued learning and cooperation between theologians and specialists in other fields. Scientific and intellectual formation can help Catholics address contemporary questions while remaining grounded in the Gospel.
That engagement with different peoples will continue during the Holy Father’s scheduled journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 through 17. According to Ashley, the Holy See confirmed that his recovery from surgery would allow the visit to proceed.
The journey carries particular personal significance because of Pope Leo’s years of service in Peru, first as a missionary and later as Bishop of Chiclayo. His itinerary includes a return to Chiclayo, where he served from 2015 to 2023.
Swartzberg observed that the Pope’s presence can strengthen unity among Catholics. Ashley explained that the visit aims to encourage local Churches in their mission and bring a message of faith, hope, and peace.
The conversation also turned to World Youth Day, scheduled for August 3 through 8, 2027, in Seoul, South Korea. In an October 22 video message, the Pope invited young people to approach the gathering as a pilgrimage that offers opportunities to deepen their relationship with Christ and form friendships with Catholics from around the world.
Ashley, who has attended three World Youth Day gatherings, described the encouragement that comes from encountering so many young people who share the Catholic faith. Swartzberg urged interested listeners to take practical steps toward attending and consider how they might overcome financial obstacles.
Their discussion concluded with the feast of Saints Simon and Jude. Ashley recalled that their relics rest beneath the Altar of Saint Joseph in St. Peter’s Basilica, where pilgrims seek their intercession.
The apostles’ witness brought the conversation back to the Church’s enduring mission. People with different backgrounds and gifts are called to serve the same Lord, proclaim His Gospel, and work together for the salvation of souls.