His Holiness Pope Leo XIV recently addressed representatives of various conferences of men and women religious and numerous institutes of consecrated, apostolic and contemplative life, gathered to reflect on the theme: how to build communities where the dignity of every person, especially minors and the most vulnerable, is protected and promoted.

The care and protection of man for his neighbour are the fruit of a gaze that is able to recognize, a heart that knows how to listen. They are born of the desire to approach with respect and tenderness, to share the other’s burdens and hopes. It is in taking responsibility for the life of our neighbour that we learn true freedom, that which does not dominate but serves, does not possess but accompanies.

The full text of his address can be found here.