Editorial Fides 3/2026, p. 2, June 12, 2026.
Summer is undoubtedly the best time in Finland to explore and admire the remarkable beauty and diversity of God’s creation, although every season naturally has its own particular strengths. Through his encyclical Laudato Si’ (Praise Be to You), Pope Francis drew our attention to the necessity of caring for our common home. Now Pope Leo’s first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), makes it clear that technological development and the digitalization of many aspects of life cannot and must not take place at the expense of the magnificent humanity created by God. The whole complexity of creation does not exist in order to maximize utility, efficiency, or progress, but to provide every person and every human community with the possibility of a good and dignified life.
In his encyclical, Pope Leo highlights the fundamental principles of the Church’s social doctrine. All of them are grounded in the conviction of the inalienable dignity of the human person, a dignity belonging to every human being and from which all human rights ultimately derive. The Church’s social doctrine, in turn, is built upon the following foundational principles: the common good, the universal destination of goods, subsidiarity, solidarity, and social justice.
It is clear that humanity’s journey toward the realization of the common good is a long one. We are not all equal in practice; we do not have the same opportunities, nor do we enjoy the same security or access to care, not even in the so-called wealthy countries. The work of improving these conditions requires determination, principled commitment, and patience. Above all, however, it requires peace. Where peace does not prevail, people are often no longer seen as neighbours but rather as friends or enemies. Resources are directed toward purposes other than the development of society, and hatred and resentment consume the human heart.
The mission and purpose of the Church is to defend the human person: to recognize in every individual the image of God and a neighbour worthy of love, attentive listening, and care, entirely apart from any personal merit. Simply because he or she is a human being created and willed by God. Defending the dignity of the human person – of every human person – is precisely the proper way to honour God in our world and in our own time.
Marko Tervaportti
A happy summer to all our readers!