Washington DC – In his first major papal document, Pope Leo XIV signals an agenda focusing on those in poverty. The Apostolic Exhortation “Dilexi Te” was built on an unfinished draft from Pope Francis that draws on 2000 years of Catholic teaching.

“It is quite significant that Pope Leo decided his first official teaching would focus on the needs of the poor,” said Eric LeCompte the Executive Director of the religious development organization Jubilee USA Network. LeCompte advises the Catholic Church and multiple faith groups on how economic policies impact the poor. "Leo highlights that our current economic system prevents too many poor people from getting jobs."

In the document, the Pope says that “Charity . . .  is the source that must inspire and guide every effort to “resolve the structural causes of poverty,” and to do so with urgency.”

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, where the Catholic Church and multiple faith groups are focusing on debt relief and new economic policies to address poverty.

“Leo’s teaching comes ahead of IMF, World Bank and G20 meetings where world leaders will take actions on debt and poverty reduction,” added LeCompte.

Next week the Annual IMF, World Bank and G20 meetings in Washington DC take place October 13-18.

Read the full Apostolic Exhortation “Dilexi Te” here.

Read Jubilee USA's press release on IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva's curtain-raiser speech here.