Pope Leo's 9 thoughts on the dignity of work

"Work is essential in human life and is the path to sanctification."

Ordinary Christians. Work and secularity in St. Josemaría

Throughout the first year of his Pontificate, the Leo XIV has repeatedly addressed the issues of labor, the economy and the dignity of work. On the occasion of the celebration of St. Joseph the Worker, The patron saint of all workers, May 1, here are nine quotations from Pope Leo XIV for reflection:

“Sometimes, however, pseudo-scientific criteria are used to say that market freedom will spontaneously bring the solution to the problem of poverty. Or even, one opts for a pastoral care of the so-called elites, arguing that, instead of wasting time with the poor, it is better to take care of the rich, the powerful and the professionals, so that, through them, more effective solutions can be achieved. It is easy to perceive the worldliness that hides behind these opinions; they lead us to observe reality with superficial criteria and devoid of any supernatural light, preferring social circles that reassure us or seeking privileges that accommodate us” (Apostolic Exhortation, “The Worldly World").“Dilexi Te”, 4 October 2025).
“I confirm that the most important help for a poor person is to promote him to have a good job, so that he can earn a life more in keeping with his dignity, developing his abilities and offering his personal effort” (Apostolic Exhortation, “Dilexi Te”, October 4, 2025).
“While I recognize that adequate policies are necessary to ensure the safety of communities, I encourage you to continue to advocate for society to respect the human dignity of the most vulnerable. In doing so, you put into practice the call of my beloved predecessor, Pope Francis, who urged every community to be reborn every day on the peripheries” (I salute the union leaders in Chicago, 9 October 2025).
“Work should be a source of hope and life, which allows the expression of individual creativity and the ability to do good” (Greeting to the Italian-speaking people during the jubilee audience, 8 November 2025).
“Human beings are called to be collaborators in the work of creation, and not mere passive consumers of content generated by artificial technology. Our dignity lies in our capacity to reflect, to choose freely, to love unconditionally and to enter into authentic relationships with others.” (Speech addressed to participants in the conference “Artificial Intelligence and Care of Our Common Home, 5 December 2025).
“At the center of any labor dynamics should be placed neither capital, nor the laws of the market, nor profit, but the person, the family and its good, with respect to which everything else is functional” (Speech to the representatives of the college of labor advisors, 18 December 2025).
“Sometimes we are so busy that we do not think of the Lord or the Church, but the very fact of working with dedication, trying to give the best of ourselves, and also - for you, the laity - with love for your family, for your children, gives glory to the Lord.” (Congratulations to the employees of the Roman Curia, the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Vicariate of Rome., 22 December 2025).
“Each of us performs his task and we praise God precisely by doing it well, with dedication” (Congratulations to the employees of the Roman Curia, the Governorate of the Vatican City State and the Vicariate of Rome, 22 December 2025).
“Be a living presence of the Church in the places where they operate. In international institutions, in the diplomacy, in organizations, in the world of work. Be men and women who build bridges, while others build walls. Be credible in the silence of your works, rather than visible in words. Be a sign, not just a presence” (Message on the occasion of the meeting of the “Toniolo Young Professional Association”.”, 18 April 2026).