While fragility is a necessary part of human existence, it is difficult to acknowledge honestly. Pope Leo gave a splendid example of facing fragility with honesty and candor in making the announcement about the surgery and in facing it with a great deal of peace. Even the pope’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, made reference to this. He said, “We were all struck by his serenity. He spoke very calmly. The Holy Father is a great example in this regard.” The cardinal expressed that, “No one expected it, but there are, as the pope said, God’s surprises.”

Certainly, the most insightful world voice in regard to the dangers of artificial intelligence, as well as its benefits, has been that of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. From the very beginning of his papacy, he stressed that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence would be a major focus of his papacy, and he has spoken very frequently about it and the need for caution in its use. His first encyclical is a brilliant reflection, offering guidance in understanding artificial intelligence and dealing with it, both in its positive contributions and its ability to harm. He reminds us of our own human dignity, which cannot be controlled by any machine and far supersedes modern technology.

We believe the human body is not a commodity but part of the person, created by God and, as St. Paul teaches, a temple of the Holy Spirit. St. John Paul II reminded us that the body is made for self-giving love, not for use. Pornography does the opposite. It turns the body into merchandise, exploits the men and women who appear in it, and trains those who watch to see others as objects rather than persons to be loved.

The annual Steps for Life Mass and rosary walk Sept. 26 at Emmanuel Parish in Delray Beach brought together young and not so young to support Catholic Charities’ Birthline/Lifeline pregnancy care centers throughout the diocese.

Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez went to St. Anastasia Parish and School in Fort Pierce Sept. 24 to honor the parish’s 100th anniversary and cut the ribbon to officially open its Morning Star Program. The first of its kind in the diocese, Morning Star aims to provide students with unique learning needs a supportive, individualized Catholic educational environment where they can learn, grow, participate in the life of the Church and discover the gifts God has placed within each of them.

A group from the Diocese of Palm Beach gathered Sept. 23-26 with delegates at the Regional Encuentro of the Southeast Pastoral Institute in St. Augustine. Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez joined them to help facilitate full participation of Hispanics/Latinos in the mission of the Church.