We’re wrapping up the week and this doesn’t stop. Message from Leo XIV to the participants of the «AI Builders Forum 2025», currently being held at the Pontifical Gregorian University. «It’s not just about what AI can do, but about who we are becoming through the technologies we develop». For the Pope, this is an «important question» of our time that we must explore. «Artificial intelligence, like every human invention, arises from the creative capacity that God has entrusted to us». «This means that technological innovation can be a form of participation in the divine act of creation», explains the Pontiff: «As such, it carries an ethical and spiritual burden, since every design decision expresses a vision of humanity». Therefore, the Church calls on all AI developers to «cultivate moral discernment as a fundamental part of their work to develop systems that reflect justice, solidarity, and authentic respect for life».
In the Vatican Apostolic Palace , the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience the participants of the 65th General Assembly of the Italian Conference of Major Superiors (CISM) , gathered to reflect on the theme “Governing Hope: Forms and Styles of Provincial Government in a Synodal Church ”. After a jocular greeting —“There’s more enthusiasm here than at World Youth Day! That means you’re all young!”—, the Pope focused on the value of synodality as a form of government and discernment in consecrated life. Leo XIV recalled that religious life is called today to offer the Church concrete examples of community discernment , co-responsibility , and transparency .
The curious situation is that the current president of the major superiors is Father Luigi Gaetani , a Discalced Carmelite and episcopal vicar for consecrated life in the Archdiocese of Bari-Bitonto. Currently facing a canonical process for accusations of abuse of conscience and power within his order. Despite the accusations and the ongoing canonical process, Gaetani has never been asked to resign. His trial is pending before the Tribunal of the Diocese of Rome, the Pope’s diocese. Gaetani arrived this morning, greeting everyone, friends and acquaintances, and was present in the front row during the audience , shaking the Pope’s hand. In 2023, Gaetani’s election as provincial of the Neapolitan Province was annulled due to irregularities, following the direct intervention of the Order’s Superior General. Subsequently, Gaetani was suspended from his position and transferred to the convent in Piano di Sorrento , awaiting new decisions.
After the delays and ambiguities that have characterized the management of the Gaetani case —with some interventions from the Dicastery that have raised numerous suspicions— the system of amoral familism that has permeated the Vatican dicasteries for a long time , influencing their decisions, timelines, and responsibilities, can be glimpsed. It is a system in which favoritism, friendships, and connivance put the Church’s credibility at risk in the fight against abuses. «There are sons and stepchildren», those who are «friends of the Dicasteries» and those who, on the other hand, are abandoned or punished. Controversial figures continue to hover around monsignors, bishops, cardinals, and even the Pontiff himself, a practice that, under Francis, was routine.
The method of quick interviews is not the most appropriate for a Pope, especially because he must necessarily respond in a few words to questions that sometimes require much deeper analysis. This is undoubtedly the case with Rupnik. Probably the Pontiff could not have said much more on this occasion, but the matter of the ghost trial of the former Jesuit priest cannot be dismissed with a few words, and doing so carries the risk of humiliating the alleged victims. In response to journalists’ questions about the Rupnik case, Pope Leo XIII stated that the deadline for a fair trial must be respected, but that everything that has happened in recent years, the delays and unclear procedures of Cardinal Fernández, raise suspicions about the pursued objective, which is undoubtedly not justice. The way the entire matter was handled during Francis’s pontificate constitutes an enormous scandal for the Church, which cannot be underestimated and demands an appropriate response, a change of course that restores credibility on the issue of abuses. It is not just about the abuse committed by a depraved priest, but about a true «Rupnik system» that involves Jesuit superiors and several cardinals who allowed the Slovenian priest to act with impunity for many years and who still protect him.
After what happened, this procedure generates a lot of suspicion, especially because, in the meantime, Father Rupnik continues to work and travel around Rome and its surroundings unperturbed, despite the imposed restrictions. In addition, in recent days it has been reported that in recent months he has continued to preach at the Casa di Santa Severa, managed by the Centro Aletti, of which Father Rupnik was director for a long time. His friend Tucho said there are more serious cases. ?More serious than that of a priest who abuses nuns for decades, creates works of art during the abuses, absolves an accomplice of sin, commits continuous sacrileges, and is protected by a network of superiors and prelates that reaches all the way to the Pope himself? It would be strange if more serious cases than this never appeared in the press. It is important to resolve quickly and clearly the scandals inherited from his predecessor, in order to leave certain matters behind and recover credibility, and thus be able to address other issues.
The current Vatican administration, which remains the same as the previous pontificate, continues with its climate creeds. Parolin is in Belém, in Brazil, not with the pastors, at the political summit prior to COP30. Parolin recalled that natural disasters displace millions of people from their homes, especially in poor countries, the least prepared to face the challenges of adaptation. They are climate refugees fleeing poverty generated not by war, but by the effects of global warming; global warming causes «more displacements» than conflicts.
And we continue with the Dicastery of Confusions. Phil Lawler in Catholic Culture «Now we see the price the Catholic Church must pay for years of doctrinal confusion during Pope Francis’s pontificate. When the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) publishes a statement to clarify the correct language in praising the Virgin Mary, faithful Catholics —who would previously have paid close attention to such a warning from the Vatican’s highest doctrinal body— consider the document an offense to piety and a betrayal of perennial tradition». «The vast majority of Catholics were unaware of the controversy surrounding the use of the title «Co-Redemptrix» to honor the Virgin. This title had been used for generations by saints, scholars, and popes without causing any unease among the faithful». «Ratzinger, in his more than 30 years at the Vatican, never considered it appropriate to publish a note against Mary as co-redeemer. Given Joseph Ratzinger’s concern for doctrinal correctness, we should ask why». «There was no urgency for the Vatican to intervene to resolve a heated debate, nor any wave of discontent among devout Catholics that demanded a response». «If the Doctrine of the Faith sought to clarify confusion and restore clarity, there were other more important matters to address. Why not respond to the doubts raised by four prominent cardinals demanding clear answers to the serious doctrinal issues arising in Amoris Laetitia? Or explain how Fiducia Supplicans can allow the blessing of same-sex couples without implying approval of same-sex unions? It could offer a clear definition of what the word «synodality» really means. «The rejection of the title «Co-Redemptrix» is the most notable aspect of Mater Populi Fidelis . However, the document also warns about another widely used title: «Mediatrix of All Graces». At a time when the civilization once known as Christianity is on the brink of collapse, when attacks on human dignity and life are intensifying, there are undoubtedly more pressing matters that require the attention of Vatican bodies. Before the end of this month, there will be another doctrinal document, this time on monogamy, and it is evident that we expect much more confusion than clarity.
Interview with Mariologist Mark Miravalle on Tucho’s latest document. «The fact that a title requires explanation does not mean it should be discarded, especially when it has been used by various popes, saints, and Doctors of the Church, and when there is a sensus fidelium that has already been expressed in numerous petitions to the Holy See». «In the first place, I would like to congratulate the DDF document for its commitment to ensuring the absolute and infinite primacy of Jesus Christ as our only Redeemer and divine Mediator, but it is also appropriate to recognize and honor the unparalleled human participation of Mary, Mother of Jesus, in the historical realization of Redemption. Given the numerous examples of popes, saints, blesseds, theologians, and mystics who have used the title of Co-Redemptrix for nearly a millennium to precisely express the subordinate and unique role of the Virgin Mary alongside Jesus in the Redemption, the designation of the title itself as «inappropriate» has caused considerable confusion, especially among the faithful. While it is always important to clearly define truths about Mary, the title of Co-Redemptrix has never been used in Catholic tradition or papal doctrine to equate Mary’s divinity with that of Jesus. Doing so would be heresy and blasphemy».
«We cannot argue that the seven uses of the title by Pope St. John Paul II, for example, were inappropriate, not to mention the uses by St. Pio of Pietrelcina, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. John Henry Newman, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, St. Gemma Galgani, St. Maximilian Kolbe, Sister Lucia of Fatima, and so many other contemporary saints and mystics. (…) Many other Catholic titles also require repeated explanations, such as Immaculate Conception, Mother of God, Transubstantiation, and Papal Infallibility, yet these titles continue to be used rightly».
For the director of the German Mariological Society, the title of «Co-Redemptrix» does not give rise to misunderstandings about Christ’s singular mediation in salvation. «In my opinion, this risk does not exist in a healthy catechetical and theological context. Who could accuse, for example, St. John Paul II, who used the two titles mentioned on several occasions, of bias? Should Cardinal John Henry Newman, declared as such by Pope Leo XIV last November 1, be stripped of his title of «Doctor of the Church» for having defended the title of «Co-Redemptrix» against Anglican Edward Pusey? Or should we intervene against the writings of St. Alphonsus Liguori, also a Doctor of the Church? Should we oppose numerous saints, including St. Edith Stein and St. Teresa of Calcutta? Is it fair to sacrifice an expression that in itself is «very true» for ecumenical reasons?
«Despite the critical observations on both titles, the Note collects the doctrine of the conciliar and papal magisterium (nn. 4-15), especially regarding Mary’s «singular cooperation in the plan of salvation» (n. 3; see also nn. 36 et seq. and 42). The document also cites the clearest text on this point: the Marian catechesis of St. John Paul II on April 9, 1997, which distinguishes Mary’s participation in the objective redemption accomplished by Christ on earth from our cooperation in the salvific process (nn. 3, 37b)». «The important distinction of Pius X is not cited, but there seems to be a reference —unfortunately almost implicit— to the distinction between the merit de condigno of Christ and the de congruo of Mary (nn. 47 et seq.). To speak of a universal extension of Mary’s maternal mediation in Christ, it is essential to refer to this type of merit.
Zuppi interviewed by Diego Bianchi: » I have never felt resentment, I am glad for Pope Leo. I didn’t even think about it for half an hour». The rest in his usual style and without novelties.
Abuses in Casablanca where six young people were victims of sexual abuse while seeking refuge in a church in the city. At the center of the accusations is Father Antoine Exelmans , a French priest awarded in 2020 for his humanitarian work. His name is linked to an alleged «sexual exploitation system» that lasted «at least four years». According to the reconstruction by Le Monde , Exelmans , who between 2021 and 2024 directed the reception service in the Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes parish in Casablanca, is suspected of «sexual violence» against exiled youth. The Diocese of Rennes , to which the priest belongs «acknowledged the sexual abuses» during a canonical investigation initiated by the Archdiocese of Rabat, whose conclusions have already been sent to Rome. The Archdiocese of Rabat stated that it had fully collaborated with civil authorities after receiving the first reports and having forwarded the results of its internal investigation to Rome. The document also lists precautionary measures: the prohibition for the priest to have contact with minors unless accompanied by another adult and the obligation to provide psychological support. The archbishop Cristóbal López Romero added that the only known minor victim by the diocese is receiving care from the Church. The Diocese of Rennes confirms that Exelmans admitted the sexual abuses in a canonical process and invites any witnesses to come forward.
And we’re wrapping up. Once a higher principle and natural order are eliminated, what remains is a self-referential sovereignty that, in the end, becomes absolute. Therefore, the tendency toward authoritarianism is inherent in the very structure of the European Union, as the political manifestation of immanentism. The European Union does not represent a deviation from the idea of freedom, but its radical self-negation: it is the freedom of indifference that, deprived of measure, becomes domination of form. The European integration process develops entirely within the horizon of political modernity , which has dissolved the classical distinction between auctoritas and potestas . Where auctoritas was participation in truth and, therefore, the foundation of law as an ordering of justice, modern potestas is, instead, the mere capacity to produce legal effects. Its legitimacy no longer resides in conformity with being, but in its own efficacy. Law, in fact, no longer derives from a prior order, but is produced in the very movement of political will. It is a self-founded law, an ordo ordinatus ad se ipsum . If there is no natural order to which political action can refer, the only possible order is the one established by power. The lack of transcendence generates the need for totality. When being ceases to be the principle, will becomes the whole. The EU Law is no longer lex rationis , but lex voluntatis: law exists not because it conforms to justice, but because it emanates from the institution that decides.
«…God knows your hearts; for what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God».
Good reading.