Leo to Leo: The 12 Popes Who Shaped Catholic Social Teaching

Since 1878, 12 popes have developed Catholic Social Teaching. Over 12 sessions, we'll meet them all, refelct on their lives and leadership.
About this Event

Discover 150 Years of Faith in Action!

Join us for a transformative 12-session journey through the lives, struggles, and triumphs of the 12 modern popes who shaped the church we know today.

• 12 Thursdays from Sept. 10-Feb. 11
• 6:30-8:30 p.m. central time.
• In-Person and Zoom

Led by Fr. Mark Miller, CPPS

Before the election of Leo XIII in 1878, popes were far removed from the everyday lives of their “loyal flock.” Today they are global travelers with near "rock star" status.

But behind the mystique of past and the celebrity of the digital age are the 12 individuals who shepherded the church through two world wars, a “cold” war and a war on terror, two pandemics, mass migrations, globalization and consolidation of economies, sexual abuse scandals and a religious world teetering between secularization and fundamentalism.

Who were these men? Some came from privilege, others from modest beginnings, one from poverty. Some were administrators, others parish priests, academics and diplomats. One was an actor, another a librarian. Each was a careful reader of “the signs of the times.”

They brought church teaching to bear on the critical issues of our days. Each focused the church’s mission on the wellbeing of humanity, caring for people in need, economic justice, pursing peace and protecting the world’s natural resources for everyone’s benefit.

Are you ready to explore how modern history and deep faith intersect?

Over 12 sessions, we will meet each of these men. With scripture as a guide, we will reflect on their teaching and their examples and apply those lessons to our own lives. Each session we’ll chose an action to put these lessons into practice.

Why Attend?

• Connect Scripture to Life: Ground your faith in real-world application.
• Turn Faith into Action: Choose a practical action step at every single session.
• Build Community: Reflect, learn, and grow alongside fellow seekers.

You will need to buy a short book from 23rd Publications titled Leo to Leo: Papal Leadership in a Changing World.

Aug. 3, 2026. We just learned that the publisher of this book, Renew International, has closed. Books are no longer available for purchase. The Renewal Center purchased a limited number of copies of the book. We have no copies of the book left .

We will email you a pdf copy of the book for free. You can read the pdf on your computer or download and print it yourself.

Suggested offering: $15 per session.

The dates of our meetings are Sep 10, 24; Oct 8 , 22; Nov 12, 19; Dec 3, 17; Jan 7, 14, 28 and Feb 11.