The Pope’s New Encyclical
This issue of Fides is dominated by Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, and by the Church’s reflection on human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence. Both the editorial and the main feature article explore how technological development can remain at the service of the human person rather than reducing humanity to efficiency, profit or data.
The editorial places the encyclical within the broader framework of Catholic social doctrine. Just as Pope Francis called the world to care for our common home in Laudato si’, Pope Leo reminds us that technological progress must never come at the expense of the “magnificent humanity” created by God. The article revisits the key principles of Catholic social teaching – human dignity, the common good, the universal destination of goods, subsidiarity, solidarity and social justice – and argues that all of them ultimately serve the God-given dignity of every human person.
The feature on Magnifica humanitas presents the encyclical as a major contribution to Catholic social teaching in the tradition of Rerum novarum. Pope Leo identifies artificial intelligence as one of the defining challenges of our age. Technology is not evil, but neither is it neutral; it reflects the intentions of those who design and use it. The Pope warns against a technocratic mentality that values efficiency above human dignity and calls for ethical regulation, transparency and international responsibility. He also addresses the environmental costs of AI, the exploitation connected to resource extraction, the dangers of digital manipulation and the concentration of power in the hands of a few actors. At the same time, he emphasises that technology can serve education, communication and human flourishing when it remains genuinely at the service of the person. The encyclical concludes with a call to build a civilisation of love and to bear witness to the beauty of humanity as God’s creation.
Bishop Raimo’s Many Activities
Several articles show how these themes are lived out in the Diocese of Helsinki. Bishop Raimo Goyarrola’s summer greeting reflects on his spring visitations to all the parishes. He expresses gratitude for the strong faith he has encountered throughout Finland and notes that many churches are now full. He asks the faithful to pray for new premises and resources to meet the needs of a rapidly growing Catholic population.
The issue also reports on Bishop Raimo’s successful doctoral defence at the University of Eastern Finland. His dissertation examines spirituality in palliative care and develops practical tools for recognising patients’ spiritual needs. In an interview, he stresses that caring for the seriously ill means caring for the whole person, not only the body but also the human search for meaning, hope and peace. Closely connected to this is the news that Bishop Raimo has been appointed a Corresponding Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life until 2031. The appointment recognises both his medical expertise and his pastoral commitment to questions of human dignity and care.
The issue also reports on the ordination of Emanuele Cianchi as a deacon for service in the Holy Family of Nazareth Parish in Oulu. Another article announces preparations for World Youth Day in Seoul in August 2027, where a large delegation from Finland is expected to join young Catholics from around the world.
Several reports describe Bishop Raimo’s pastoral visitations to parishes in Kuopio, Turku and Oulu. Together they paint a picture of a geographically vast but vibrant local Church marked by growth, cultural diversity and active parish life.
A Pastoral Centre for Cooperation and Support
A major diocesan development is the opening of the new Pastoral Centre and Catholic Bookshop in Helsinki. Established by Bishop Raimo and officially opened in May, the centre brings together catechesis, religious education, liturgy, media, publishing, safeguarding and new evangelisation. The article presents it as a common project for the whole local Church, intended to strengthen cooperation between parishes and to provide professional support for the growing needs of the diocese. The street-level Catholic Bookshop is described not only as a shop but also as a visible place of encounter and evangelisation in the heart of the city.
Many Other Articles
A substantial feature is devoted to Saint Ursula Ledóchowska, whose memorial is celebrated on 29 May. The article presents her as a saint whose life speaks powerfully to modern Christians. Active in Poland, Russia and Scandinavia, she combined educational work, charity, ecumenical openness and missionary zeal. This year also marks fifty years since the return of the Ursuline Sisters to Finland, giving the article special local significance.
Among the news items, readers learn that the Nordic Bishops’ Conference has expressed gratitude to catechists, priests, religious and lay collaborators who help transmit the faith across the Nordic countries. The bishops emphasise that evangelisation is central to the Church’s mission and encourage all the faithful to take part in it through their baptismal vocation.
The remainder of the issue includes a reflection on space exploration and the Moon missions, which approaches one of humanity’s greatest technological achievements from a Christian perspective. Rather than seeing science and faith as rivals, the article argues that both can lead to wonder and a deeper appreciation of creation. Looking back at Earth from space highlights both the fragility and unity of the human family, while reminding us that technological progress finds its true meaning only when it serves humanity and deepens our sense of responsibility for the world entrusted to us by God.
The issue also contains a review of Brother Marie-Augustin OP’s book Kristillisen toivon perusta, a homily on the Holy Spirit as Paraclete, memorial articles for Father Gianni Sgreva CP and Sauli Eloranta, and Caritas Finland’s annual report. The Caritas article highlights expanding charitable work in Finland, support for Ukrainians, international development projects and the Nordic bishops’ appeal on behalf of Lebanon.
Full versions of these and many other articles are available at fides.katolinen.fi/en.
Happy reading!