Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, has addressed the Catholic community on the importance of building a society based on justice, charity, and humility. In his message, Cardinal Tobin referred to the teachings of Saint Augustine and recent comments by Pope Leo XIV to emphasize the need for faithful citizens to work toward the common good.

Cardinal Tobin cited Vatican II’s Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et Spes, which states that societal changes are necessary to align with truth, justice, love, and freedom. He explained that “the guiding Spirit of God working through the Gospel message arouses all of us to build our society to this end.” The Cardinal noted that Catholic social teaching addresses a wide range of issues related to human rights and dignity.

He highlighted parallels drawn by Pope Leo XIV between historical societal changes during the Industrial Revolution and current technological advancements such as artificial intelligence. Cardinal Tobin wrote: “When he explained his choice of name, our new pope drew a parallel between the societal upheaval of the late 19th century and the rapid advancements of artificial intelligence (AI) in the 21st century and the importance of the Church’s social teaching as a means of addressing contemporary issues.”

The Archbishop stressed that actions grounded in human dignity are required for achieving societal well-being. Quoting Gaudium et Spes #26, he said: “And because each of us is a person with human dignity, there must be at hand to each of us all things necessary for living a life that is really human: physical security, rights to free choice in family life, education, employment, [and] rights to respect, to information, to act according to conscience, to privacy and to religious freedom.”

Cardinal Tobin continued by referencing Pope Leo XIV’s view on organizing society around selfless love rather than selfishness. He stated: “Every economic, social and political issue that we struggle with today finds its ultimate solution in the love of God and in respect for human dignity... That’s why Catholic social teaching compels us... ‘to work for a world where power is tamed by conscience...’”

He called for renewed political engagement focused on moral principles and care for vulnerable populations. According to Cardinal Tobin: “Our society urgently needs a renewed politics that focuses on moral principles, the defense of life, the needs of the weak, and the pursuit of the common good.”

The message also included an explanation from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops about Catholic social teaching as central to faith practice—emphasizing its roots in scripture and commitment to supporting those who are poor or marginalized.

A selection from Pope Leo XIV’s address at an international gathering outlined two contrasting models for civilization—the City of Man built on pride versus “the City of God,” marked by justice and humility. The pope stated: “[Saint Augustine] taught that within human history two ‘cities’ are intertwined... Christians [should] infuse earthly society with values of God’s Kingdom...” He argued authentic flourishing requires integral development across physical, cultural, moral and spiritual dimensions.

Cardinal Tobin concluded his message with a prayer attributed to Pope Leo XIV: “May the Lord Jesus... bless and guide our efforts for true flourishing... May our Blessed Mother Mary... inspire us...”