Reflecting on the Gospel reading of the day (Luke 14:1.7-14), Pope Leo XIV spoke during his August 31 Sunday Angelus address about the vainglorious competition for attention and Jesus’ teaching on humility. “Dear friends, today let us pray that the Church will always be a school of humility for everyone, a home where all are welcome, a place where rivalries are set aside and where Jesus still speaks to us and teaches us to imitate his own humility and freedom,” he told pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square. “Mary is truly the Mother of that home; it is to her that we now pray.”

The chairman of the US bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development issued a Labor Day statement calling for renewed prayer and action, amid AI’s rise, “to building a future in which every worker finds dignity, security, and purpose.” After praising AI’s potential positive benefits, Archbishop Borys Gudziak warned that “in patient care, there is a risk that AI could attempt to replace human compassion, or supplant human expertise in medical evaluation. In many industries, a number of workers could lose their jobs, impacting families and communities.” “We must advocate for the responsible use of technology, robust protection for those vulnerable to exploitation, a social safety net that allows people to avoid the cycle of poverty, and fair treatment of all workers,” he added. “The government should address the challenges of AI with a sound legal and regulatory framework.”

Without using the word “Russia,” Pope Leo XIV lamented recent Russian attacks in Ukraine as he renewed his call for peace. “Sadly, the war in Ukraine continues to sow death and destruction,” Pope Leo said on August 31, at the conclusion of his Sunday Angelus address. “Even in recent days, bombings have struck several cities, including the capital Kyiv, causing numerous casualties. I renew my closeness to the Ukrainian people and to all the injured families.” The Pope then asked everyone “not to give in to indifference, but to draw close to them through prayer and concrete gestures of charity.” He added: I strongly reiterate my urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire and a serious commitment to dialogue. Now is the time for those responsible to renounce the logic of weapons and take the path of negotiation and peace, with the support of the international community. The voice of weapons must be silenced, while the voice of fraternity and