Pope Leo XIV apologises for delayed condemnation of slavery

Pope Leo XIV has asked forgiveness for the Catholic Church’s delayed condemnation of slavery, describing it as a historical failure that continues to weigh on Christian memory.

The remarks were made during the presentation of his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), on May 25, according to BFM.

In the approximately 130-page document, the pontiff acknowledged that the Church “tolerated slavery for a long time” and only fully condemned the practice after a significant delay.

According to Leo XIV, the Church’s stance on slavery “remains a wound in Christian memory” and requires accountability and repentance.

The encyclical also addresses a range of modern global challenges, including the growing influence of artificial intelligence and concerns over what the Pope described as a potential new form of human dependence on technology.

Leo XIV said the Church’s late rejection of slavery represented a serious historical mistake and stressed the importance of openly recognising past failures while addressing ethical challenges facing modern society.

By Sabina Mammadli