Many popes in the past have apologized for the involvement of Christians in the slave trade. But none of them have ever publicly acknowledged or apologized for the role the Holy See played over the centuries in granting express powers to European monarchs to enslave “infidels”.
The first US-born holy father with a family history that included both slaves and slave owners, according to New York Times genealogical research, issued an apology in his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, which was released by the Vatican on Monday.
In a message to believers and clergy all over the world, Leo XIV. he was primarily concerned with the protection of humanity at a time when dependence on artificial intelligence is increasing.
He then mentioned the slave trade in connection with new forms of slavery and colonialism, by which he meant, for example, the illegal mining of rare minerals necessary for the production of chips specifically for artificial intelligence.
“It is impossible not to feel deep sorrow when thinking about the immense suffering and humiliation that so many people have endured, which is in sharp contrast to their immeasurable dignity as persons infinitely loved by the Lord. For this I sincerely apologize on behalf of the Church,” the Pope said, according to Vatican News.
“Not reacting to serious violations of human dignity or even tolerating them means becoming their accomplices,” added the Holy Father, describing the church’s past as a blow to the Christian memory.
The AP agency recalled that, for example, in 1452, Pope Nicholas V granted the King of Portugal and his successors the right to invade, conquer, fight and subjugate” and seize all property – including land – of “Saracens, heathens and other infidels and enemies of the name of Christ” anywhere. This permission allowed the Portuguese to take these people into permanent slavery.
Similar permits were also issued by the Catholic Church to Spanish kings for the conquest and administration of colonies in America.
