Gratitude for Pope Francis, renewed commitment alongside Pope Leo XIV in the name of peace
Assisi, May 12, 2025 – The Economy of Francesco Foundation joyfully and hopefully welcomes the election of Pope Leo XIV – a moment of grace for the Church and for all those around the world who seek, through faith, a guide capable of reading the signs of the times.
With emotion and gratitude, we pay homage to the magisterium and testimony of Pope Francis, who inspired the birth and growth of The Economy of Francesco by calling young economists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from all over the world to build a more just, inclusive, and compassionate economy—one that puts the most vulnerable at its center.
“We welcome Pope Leo XIV with joy,” declare several young members of the global EoF movement, “a name that also reminds us of the deep friendship between St. Francis and Fray Leo, his traveling companion who gently guarded his words and heart. When Francis was burdened with doubts and fatigue, it was Leo who gathered his tears and reminded him of the beauty of what they were building together.”
The words of the new Pope—and especially his reference to Pope Leo XIII and his encyclical Rerum novarum—strongly resonate with the mission that drives our Foundation. His emphasis on human dignity, social justice, and labor is, for us, a sign of continuity and renewed commitment. In this context, Pope Leo XIV’s call for peace is particularly powerful. The young men and women of The Economy of Francesco worldwide have long embraced this mission, working toward an economy that promotes social justice and solidarity—two essential pillars for achieving a peace that is both disarmed and disarming.
As a Foundation, we feel fully engaged in this mission. We will continue to bring together economic science, spirituality, and concrete action, in the spirit of Evangelii gaudium, Laudato si’, and Fratelli tutti, and now also in the light of Pope Leo XIV’s vision.
“In this new time,” the youth continue, “we too want to walk as friends alongside Pope Leo XIV, accepting his invitation to build bridges of peace, to walk together, without fear and with trust.
This will be the spirit of our upcoming global gathering in November, Restarting the Economy: an opportunity to open the path for many new traveling companions.”
The journey of the Foundation continues, strengthened by the legacy of Francis and looking to the future alongside the new Pontiff, as artisans of dialogue in economic life and promoters of a culture of peace, justice, and fraternity. With renewed hope, we continue our journey in service of the common good.
