Pope Leo XIV urged young people to reject the pursuit of wealth, popularity, pornography and excessive pleasure, warning that modern society increasingly encourages forms of behavior that undermine personal freedom and human dignity.
Addressing an estimated one million people at a prayer vigil in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, November 10, the first American-born pope called on young Catholics to shun “the idols of our time,” including the obsession with social media approval and physical appearance.
“Idols arise and demand our worship: success at any cost, money, an obsession with appearance, popularity or the unrestrained pursuit of pleasure,” Leo declared, according to the Vatican’s official transcript. He warned that the desire for recognition can encourage dishonesty, betrayal and the humiliation of others online, while criticizing businesses that profit from pornography and addictive substances.
According to the Vatican’s official transcript, Leo warned that the desire for recognition can encourage dishonesty, betrayal and the humiliation of others online. He also criticized businesses that profit from pornography and addictive substances, describing them as sources of dependency rather than genuine happiness.
The gathering took place at the Monumento de los Españoles, where approximately 2.5 million people had attended a papal Mass the previous day, according to Reuters. The events marked the largest crowds of Leo’s pontificate.
Church welcomes everyone but calls for personal transformation
During the vigil, Leo reiterated the message of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who repeatedly emphasized that the Catholic Church must welcome everyone regardless of their personal circumstances or past mistakes.
However, the pontiff insisted that inclusion must also involve moral responsibility and a willingness to change one’s life. He encouraged young people struggling with addiction, personal difficulties or separation from the Church to seek reconciliation rather than believe they had permanently lost their place in the Christian community.
Drawing on the biblical account of three young men who refused to worship a golden idol in ancient Babylon, Leo presented religious faith as a source of independence from social pressure.
His remarks followed testimonies from young Argentines, including a man recovering from drug addiction. The pope encouraged participants to support vulnerable people through practical acts of solidarity, including helping the homeless, visiting the sick and providing food to those in need.
Bold statements on economic inequality, war and political power
Leo’s criticism of contemporary consumer culture follows several politically sensitive interventions during his South American tour, particularly concerning economic inequality, government authority and international conflicts.
On November 8, speaking before Argentine President Javier Milei, the pope argued that economic policy should serve human needs rather than subordinate citizens to financial objectives. His remarks were widely interpreted as criticism of austerity measures affecting poorer Argentines, although he did not directly condemn Milei’s policies.
The pontiff also warned political leaders against excessive concentrations of power, emphasizing respect for democratic institutions and the rights of vulnerable communities.
His positions have extended to international security. Leo has criticized the American-led war against Iran, a stance that has generated tensions with President Donald Trump.
During meetings with religious leaders in Argentina, he also urged faith communities to oppose domination and war, arguing that religion should foster dialogue rather than deepen divisions.
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