Pope Léon XIV spoke about the role of the Church in today's world during a general audience on October 7. He focused on the fourth chapter of Gaudium et spes, a document from the Second Vatican Council that outlines the Church's mission in modern society. The Pope emphasized that the Church is not separate from the world but is deeply connected to it, stating that the Church "inhabits the world" to reveal "the will of God to make us all his children within one great human family." He explained that the Church's first mission is to help people reflect on life's deeper questions, such as meaning, purpose, and morality. The Pope criticized the "logic of profit at all costs" and the "manipulation of information" that lead people to a lifestyle focused on consumption. He noted that "our hearts are made to look toward heaven," suggesting that materialism and excessive consumerism can distract from spiritual fulfillment. He also spoke about the practical role of the Church in the modern world, stating that Christians are called to contribute to the "construction of the earthly city" — that is, to work for a just and peaceful society — while remaining distinct from political life. This involves showing a "testimony of faith and charity" and supporting "justice, peace, and fraternity." Léon XIV stressed that Christians cannot accept the oppression of the poor and the vulnerable, and that the Church must remain attentive to the changes and challenges in society. He said that the Church's social teachings should guide the actions of Christians to "promote the common good." He highlighted the important role of "lay faithful," or ordinary Christians who are not priests or religious, who are called by their baptism to "animate the world with the Christian spirit." This includes living out their faith in everyday life, especially in the family and the workplace. The Pope warned that the Church's engagement with society does not mean it should accept everything without careful thought. He urged Christians to "discern what in the cultures of our time deserves to be considered" with a "balanced and free spirit from any cultural trend." He stressed that "it is certainly not by softening the content and lowering the requirements that one can make Christianity attractive." Christians must be able to "portray a positive view of the world" while remaining "firm" in the "presentation of the Gospel message," ensuring that their faith is both relevant and strong.