Pope Leo: The economy must be at the service of the person

November 10, 2026

In an address to business leaders, labor union leaders, and other representatives of the world of work (video), Pope Leo XIV said that the economy “must be at the service of the person, and not the person at the service of the economy.”

“Although this statement may seem theoretical, it is a central point of the Church’s social thought dating back to my predecessor Leo XIII,” he said.

The Pontiff delivered his address at the Argentine Catholic University late in the afternoon of November 9, the fourth day of his apostolic journey to three South American nations (program). During his address, he discussed five principles of Catholic social teaching, beginning with the dignity of the human person, “the first and most fundamental of the principles of the Church’s Social Doctrine.”

“Dear brothers and sisters, in a world undergoing profound change, I leave you with the principles that gave rise to the Church’s Social Doctrine as a task to be undertaken: defend the dignity of the human person, promote the common good, recognize the universal destination of goods, practice effective solidarity and responsible subsidiarity, so that together we may build the civilization of love,” the Pope said at the conclusion of his address, adding:

Let us “work perseveringly, placing God at the forefront of our actions and the human person at the center of our choices” (Magnifica Humanitas, 16). Only in this way can we be sure that we are following on earth the path that God has prepared for us in heaven. Indeed, only in this way can our work bear fruit, fruit that will last (cf. Jn 15:16). Thank you.

 

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Further information:

• Apostolic Journey to Argentina: Meeting with the world of work (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 11/9/26)
• Meeting with Social Movements and the World of Work at the Catholic University of Argentina (Holy See Press Office, 11/9/26)
• Pope: Human dignity must always prevail over profit (Vatican News, 11/9/26)