“It is impossible not to feel deep sadness when we think about the enormous suffering and humiliation that many have suffered, which is in complete contrast to their immense dignity as human beings who were infinitely loved by the Lord. Therefore, on behalf of the Church, I sincerely ask for forgiveness,” wrote Lav.
The first US-born pope in history, whose family history includes enslaved people and slave owners, issued an apology in his first major document, Magnifica humanitas (Magnificent Humanity).
Previous popes have apologized for Christian involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
However, no pope has yet publicly acknowledged, let alone apologized for, the role of earlier heads of the Catholic Church who gave European rulers express authority to subjugate and enslave “infidels.”
The Vatican has insisted that it has always upheld the dignity of all human beings as children of God. However, a series of Vatican directives from the 15th century authorized Portuguese rulers to conquer Africa and America and enslave non-Christians, reports Srna.
Pope Leo’s comprehensive manifesto talks about protecting humanity in an era of increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI).
Pope Leo compared the transatlantic slave trade to what he called new forms of slavery and colonialism fueled by the digital revolution, such as unregulated labor practices in the exploitation of rare minerals needed to produce chips for the VI.
(Vijesti.ba)
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