Caritas conference to explore Pope Leo's social teaching

Aug 17th, 2026

Image: Mazur/cbcew.org.uk

Source: Caritas Salford

Speaking this month, Pope Leo XIV said: "When we reach out to help those in need, there frequently develops a certain concord between those who give and those who receive, as well as among those who work together to assist their brothers and sisters.

"Thus, charity becomes not only a response to human suffering, but also a powerful means of fostering fraternity and strengthening the communion that is at the heart of Christian life."

As a charity working alongside people across Greater Manchester and Lancashire who are experiencing poverty, homelessness and discrimination, calling for justice, equality and equity, and working to strengthen communities is at the heart of Caritas Salford's work.

This October, the charity is hosting a special Caritas Conference, examining in more detail what Pope Leo's social teaching means, as we all try to tackle poverty and injustice where we live.

They will be joined by renowned theologian, Anna Rowlands, the St Hilda Professor in Catholic Social Thought and Practice at Durham University who was seconded to the Vatican in 2023 to contribute to the Synod on Synodality. She was recently reappointed by Pope Leo as a member of the Dicastery of Integral Human Development for a further five-year period, and earlier this year she was among the speakers at the launch of Pope Leo's first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, addressing the ethical and social implications of AI.

Conference attendees will hear insights into Dilexi te and Magnifica humanitas, looking at what the documents mean for us when responding to injustice.

Patrick O'Dowd, Caritas Salford director, said: "This conference is a great opportunity for us all to stop and take a moment to learn and reflect on the social teaching of the Holy Father. Having Anna Rowlands join us on the day is a real privilege and we're excited to hear her insights and learn from her expertise.

"Pope Leo has recently urged that we all, in an age all too often marked by division and pointed rhetoric, become prophets of harmony, seeking to build bridges and striving to work together to benefit all. He has also spoken of how justice concerns not only the behaviour or individuals, but also the way in which structures of society are conceived and organised.

"The conference sessions are an opportunity for discussion and learning and we hope they will leave participants feeling inspired as they consider ways to reflect Pope Leo's teaching and take action in their own community too."

Everyone aged 18 and over is welcome to join the free conference, which will take place on Saturday 10 October from 11.30am to 3.30pm at St Patrick's Church, Livesey Street, Manchester, M4 5HF. Lunch will be provided.