In 2025, Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, has called Catholics to resist temptation and grow closer to God. Elected on May 8, 2025, his teachings, rooted in Augustinian spirituality, emphasize vigilance against sin, as seen in his June 4 General Audience where he urged the faithful to “guard your hearts.” While he hasn’t explicitly warned about the 7 deadly sins, his focus on holiness inspires this reflection on these biblical vices—pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth—and how to overcome them, drawing from Catholic tradition and his vision for a united Church.
What Are the 7 Deadly Sins?
The 7 deadly sins, formalized by Pope Gregory I in the 6th century and elaborated by St. Thomas Aquinas, are vices that lead to further sin and separation from God. They are not listed as such in the Bible but are derived from scriptural principles, like Proverbs 6:16-19, which notes sins God hates. Pope Leo XIV’s motto, “In Illo uno unum” (“In the One, we are one”), suggests overcoming these sins to unite with God. Here’s a brief overview:
- Pride: Excessive self-love, placing oneself above God.
- Greed: Obsessive desire for material wealth.
- Lust: Uncontrolled sexual desire or craving.
- Envy: Resentment of others’ success.
- Gluttony: Overindulgence in food or drink.
- Wrath: Uncontrolled anger or hatred.
- Sloth: Spiritual or physical laziness, neglecting duties.
Why These Sins Matter in 2025
Pope Leo XIV’s 2025 homilies, like his call for a “missionary Church,” highlight the urgency of living virtuously in a world of division and distraction. The 7 deadly sins, as “capital sins,” are dangerous because they spawn other sins, pulling us from God’s grace. His emphasis on prayer and mercy aligns with Catholic teaching that these vices can be overcome through virtues, as noted by Aquinas: humility, charity, chastity, gratitude, temperance, patience, and diligence.
How to Overcome the 7 Deadly Sins
Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s teachings and Catholic tradition, here are practical ways to conquer each sin:
- Pride vs. Humility: Reflect on God’s greatness, not your own. Pray daily, as the Pope suggests, to stay humble.
- Greed vs. Charity: Donate to the poor, embodying the Pope’s call to love neighbors. Limit material desires.
- Lust vs. Chastity: Practice self-control through fasting or avoiding tempting media. Seek confession for strength.
- Envy vs. Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal to focus on your blessings, as Pope Leo XIV encourages thankfulness.
- Gluttony vs. Temperance: Eat mindfully, honoring your body as a temple. Follow the Pope’s example of simplicity.
- Wrath vs. Patience: Pause before reacting in anger. Pray for patience, as the Pope urges in his peace messages.
- Sloth vs. Diligence: Set spiritual goals, like daily Scripture reading, to stay active in faith, per the Pope’s missionary vision.
Practical Steps to Start Today
To align with Pope Leo XIV’s call to holiness, try these steps:
- Pray Intentionally: Begin each day asking for strength to resist sin.
- Seek Confession: Regularly confess to receive God’s mercy, as the Pope emphasizes.
- Practice Virtues: Focus on one virtue weekly to counter a specific sin.
- Join a Community: Engage with a parish to stay accountable, reflecting the Pope’s vision of unity.
Conclusion
Though Pope Leo XIV hasn’t directly warned about the 7 deadly sins, his 2025 teachings on resisting temptation inspire us to confront pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. These biblical vices, rooted in Catholic tradition, can be overcome with virtues like humility and charity. In a challenging world, his call to “walk toward God” urges us to act now. Start today—pray, confess, and practice a virtue—to live the holy life Pope Leo XIV envisions for the Church.