Editorial, Fides 4/2026, p. 2, 14 August 2026.
In his new encyclical Magnifica humanitas, Pope Leo XIV sets before us two biblical images, two different paths for us to follow: one is the path of building the Tower of Babel, the other is the path of Nehemiah. The Tower of Babel arose from human pride and a sense of omnipotence, while Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem not alone, but relying on the help of the whole community. Not in a single day, but with patience.
In every age, including our own, we have reason to beware of the Babel syndrome, the Pope teaches. We may strive for great things, but we should begin with what is small and trust in the power of working together. This is a good reminder for all of us, both in our work and in our private lives. The purpose of human life is not to ride endlessly from one wave crest to another in a constant state of “hype”, but gradually to build something that endures and also serves others.
In his encyclical, Pope Leo, an Augustinian, takes as an example St Augustine’s account of the struggle between two loves. One of these loves gives rise to the earthly city, the other to the heavenly city. Or, as Augustine himself puts it: “Two loves have made the two cities: love of self, even to contempt of God, the earthly city; and love of God, even to contempt of self, the heavenly city.” The Pope reminds us: “As throughout human history, so today these two loves struggle for dominion in our hearts.” (cf. MH, 130)
When we look at our own lives, or even simply follow the news from our own country and around the world, it is easy to see that this struggle is real. People pursue their own interests without regard for human lives, without regard for suffering and misery, and without paying any attention to the fact that every human being has value simply by virtue of being human. And yet, deep within our hearts, we – and I want to believe that this means every one of us – do hear the call to love our neighbours, above all those who are most vulnerable and whose voices our world does not hear.
Do I live in my family only for myself, or also for my spouse and my children? In my workplace, am I someone who only makes demands and does no more than what duty requires? Or am I someone whom others trust and whose opinion they respect – not because of my position, but because of my attitude? The Church calls us to become more fully human, so that the image of God, our Creator, may become ever more visible in us. That image does not point us towards the path of Babel, but towards the path of Nehemiah. It is not a love that takes, but a love that gives.
Marko Tervaportti