The pope received the participants in the plenary session of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) \u2014 one of the oldest and most significant offices in the Holy See \u2014 on Jan. 29.<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV on Thursday reminded members of the Vatican\u2019s doctrine office of the urgency of offering clear doctrinal guidance in response to new challenges, especially in a context marked by declining religious belief.<\/p>\n
The pope received the participants of the plenary session of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) \u2014 one of the oldest and most significant offices in the Holy See \u2014 on Jan. 29. He emphasized the \u201cprecious service they carry out,\u201d aimed at promoting and safeguarding the integrity of Catholic doctrine in matters of faith and morals.<\/p>\n
The mission entrusted to them, the Holy Father stressed, consists in \u201coffering clarifications on the doctrine of the Church\u201d through pastoral and theological guidance on issues that are often both complex and delicate.<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV meets members of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith during an audience with plenary meeting participants on Jan. 29, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media<\/p>\n
The pope referred to what he called \u201cthe key\u201d documents published by the dicastery during the last two years: the note Gestis Verbisque, on the validity of the sacraments; the declaration Dignitas Infinita, dedicated to human dignity; the \u201cNorms for Proceeding in the Discernment of Alleged Supernatural Phenomena\u201d; the note Antiqua et Nova, focused on the challenges of artificial intelligence; the doctrinal note Mater Populi Fidelis, on certain Marian titles linked to Mary\u2019s cooperation in the work of salvation; and the doctrinal note Una Caro, which underscores the value of marriage as an exclusive union between a man and a woman and presents a defense of monogamy.<\/p>\n
Leo did not mention the declaration Fiducia Supplicans, which was published in December 2023, shortly before the DDF\u2019s most recent plenary session.<\/p>\n
Fiducia Supplicans, which permitted blessings for couples in irregular situations and same-sex relationships, sparked controversy and questions regarding the Church\u2019s teaching on human sexuality, morality, and the sacrament of marriage in the wake of its publication.<\/p>\n
Clear guidance on doctrine<\/p>\n
The pope said the work carried out by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith enables spiritual growth in a \u201cchange of era\u201d and offers the faithful \u201ca prompt and clear word from the Church, especially regarding the many new phenomena that are appearing on the scene of history.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also provides valuable guidance to bishops in the exercise of their pastoral ministry as well as to theologians in their service of study and evangelization,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Leo XIV said the dicastery\u2019s meeting this week, centered on discussion of the transmission of the faith, is an issue he considers \u201cof great urgency in our time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking at the landscape of contemporary society, the pontiff lamented the increase in those who \u201cdo not perceive the Gospel as a fundamental resource for their own existence,\u201d especially many young people, who live \u201cwithout any reference to God and to the Church.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pope also renewed his gratitude to the members of the dicastery for their work, especially when their contribution \u201cis offered in a humble and discreet manner.\u201d<\/p>\n
This story\u00a0was first published\u00a0by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.<\/p>\n