Pope Leo’s Encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas”—A Shared Discernment Process

Please consider joining with other faithful folks in reading together highlights of Pope Leo’s first Encyclical, with time to dialogue about what he is teaching. We will use a 6-week Zoom format.

On Monday evenings, from 7:00PM until 8:15PM, beginning on September 14^th. $100 donation for all six weeks.

This is not a college course—we will use simple language and Spirit-filled discussion.

Led by Bro. Mark who lives here at San Damiano Retreat. The Encyclical is long, yet by sharing with each other we can clarify the terms and discern the message.

Magnifica Humanitas

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER ONE: A DYNAMIC APPROACH FAITHFUL TO THE GOSPEL

CHAPTER TWO: FOUNDATIONS AND PRINCIPLES OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH

CHAPTER THREE: TECHNOLOGY AND DOMINANCE.
THE GRANDEUR OF HUMANITY IN LIGHT OF THE PROMISES OF AI

CHAPTER FOUR: SAFEGUARDING HUMANITY AT A TIME OF TRANSFORMATION.
TRUTH, WORK, FREEDOM

CHAPTER FIVE: THE CULTURE OF POWER AND THE CIVILIZATION OF LOVE

CONCLUSION

Any publication of the Encyclical is appropriate to purchase, as each paragraph is numbered, so we can work through it easily together from any edition. Copies of the Encyclical in printed book form will be available at the Retreat Center Gift Shop.

(A caution: Remember this is Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas,” not to be confused  if you do a Google search that often pops us with Pope Leo XIII’s Encyclical from 1891.)

It is also available for free at this Vatican webpage:

Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Leo XIV Magnifica Humanitas (15 May 2026)

Please note: Our first session, on September 14^th, will cover the Introduction and Chapter One

Zoom Online on Mondays Evening from 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm.
Here are the Dates for the 6-Week Zoom Format on Mondays Evening: Monday, September 14; Monday, September 21; Monday, September 28; Monday, October 5; Monday October 12, Monday October 19. The cost is $100 per person for six sessions.