POPE LEO XIV APOLOGIZED FOR AMERICAN SLAVERY

Evangel./Prof. Michael P. Howard

“Receive the holy Spirit." (Jn. 20:22)

Let's set the record straight. Read it for yourself! Yes, Pope Leo XIV, did say "I sincerely ask for pardon." However, to avoid turning this reflection into a commentary, I am providing you with the original article, the context that this text can be found. The text is from the ENCYCLICAL LETTER, MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS, OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV "ON SAFEGUARDING THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE TIME OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE." May 2026.

Article 176. In the development of her doctrine, the Church has gradually come to a deeper awareness of the gravity of these issues. It is true that past events cannot be judged anachronistically (in a way that is out of its time in history), as though the moral criteria that matured over time had always been available. Yet neither can we deny or diminish the delay with which both society and the Church came to denounce the scourge of slavery. In antiquity and the Middle Ages many individuals and even ecclesiastical institutions had slaves. Already in the early modern period, the Apostolic See of Rome, responding to requests from Sovereigns (rulers), intervened several times in order to regulate and legitimize forms of subjugation, and, in certain cases, the enslavement of “infidels.” [174] It was only in the nineteenth century that a formal, absolute and universal condemnation of slavery was clearly articulated, notably under Pope Leo XIII. [175] This development offers a clear example of the Church’s growth in understanding the perennial truths of Revelation that she safeguards. Although there was not always consistency in practice — given that slavery was long tolerated before being unequivocally condemned — there has been a continuous affirmation throughout history of the dignity of every human being, created in the image of God, even if it took eighteen centuries for its full incompatibility with slavery to be explicitly recognized. This constitutes a wound in Christian memory, one from which we cannot consider ourselves detached. [176] It is impossible not to feel deep sorrow when contemplating the immense suffering and humiliation endured by so many in stark contrast to their immeasurable dignity as persons infinitely loved by the Lord. For this, in the name of the Church, I sincerely ask for pardon."

Now I will say that Article 177, is equally important to read: "This is why the memory of past complicity and blindness in the face of the injustice of slavery becomes a call to vigilance. What we have learned must be translated into discernment and responsibility in the present. If we want to avoid the need to ask for pardon again in the future for having failed to respect the treasure of human dignity that is required by our faith, it falls to us today to denounce, clearly and firmly, trafficking in its many forms and, together with all who are committed to this cause, to support concrete efforts of prevention, protection, liberation and rehabilitation."

Pope Leo XIV, is calling us to be vigilance, watchful, be on the lookout to any form of injustice to avoid our sinful ways of dehumanizing or stripping away the dignity of all of God's creation.

Note: I do recommend that you begin to read the whole document as it focuses on how we as Catholics should respond to the growing trend of using AI. Prof. Howard

"The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred from conception to natural death, and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. The Church works to ensure all people can live in circumstances befitting their human dignity."