Culture and Ideas · October 31, 2026
Also published in Français, Nederlands
Pope Leo XIV advocates for synthesis of faith and culture
Since the 19th century, modern culture and Christian faith have often been seen as opposites. Pope Leo considers this fundamentally wrong. He relies on the Second Vatican Council. Faith and culture can enrich each other.
Pope Leo XIV promotes a culture-open Christianity. Faith should not be lived "in a spirit of opposition or hostility towards the world, culture, and its human expressions," he stated during his weekly meeting with pilgrims in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday morning.
The Pope referred to reform resolutions of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) in the document "Gaudium et spes" (Joy and Hope) from 1965. Christians should "live in closest connection with the other people of their time and strive to fully understand their ways of thinking and judgment, which appear in the spirit culture," Leo XIV said.
A "mature and responsible synthesis of faith and culture" is a prerequisite for credible Christian proclamation, the Pope continued. Faith is "interwoven with culture"; it must itself become culture and reach people in their concrete living environment. This includes traditions, art, poetry, and science.
Leo XIV defended church cultural promotion as a help to a fulfilled life. For this reason, the church also demands efforts to overcome illiteracy and education for all. People who are capable of higher education must be able to receive it.
For three days, representatives of many religions discussed the challenges of the time in Assisi. The occasion was an interreligious peace meeting from 40 years ago, which seems more relevant than ever.