Bergoglio became Pope Leo XIV, elected on the second ballot of the conclave to provide global leadership and example to the Catholic Church. His election shocked most people both inside the Vatican and out. The election follows tense debates between the cardinals. Conservative voters might be especially attracted to Leo XIV’s long record of service in the Roman Curia. His rise to the papacy marks a significant moment for the Church, as he seeks to maintain continuity with his predecessor, Pope Francis, while signaling a potential return to traditional values.
Pope Leo XIV, born in Chicago, shown here on the cover of Newsweek. He has spent over two decades in Peru, working in some of the South American country’s poorest areas and acquiring dual citizenship. His own experience gives him an unusual eye to global affairs, especially the politics of migration and nationalism. In his inaugural speech, he made a call for peace and community, a message similar to the one delivered by Pope Francis last September.
A New Era Begins
Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, addressing thousands of faithful gathered below. He welcomed the delegation from around the world with a heartfelt message of Peace, Peace, Peace. “Salam alaykum,” he proclaimed — laying the foundation for an optimistic opening chapter in the papacy of Francis. He reiterated a blessing recently pronounced by Pope Francis: “God loves us, God loves everyone, and evil will not prevail.”
His comments hinted at a continuity with Pope Francis, who has made the fight against poverty and social injustice an explicit priority since his election. Observers noted that Leo XIV’s emphasis on peace, a phrase that resonates deeply within Christian teachings, indicates his intention to carry forward this legacy while navigating the complexities of modern Catholicism.
“I am really excited. Cardinal Prevost, now Leo XIV — it’s gonna be amazing! He said a lot about peace during his speech. I think the world now really needs it,” – Kasper Mihalak
Navigating Tradition and Modernity
With his choice of name, Pope Leo XIV creates some very interesting historical parallels. It calls to mind Pope Leo XIII’s strident denunciations of the Americanist heresy in the heart of Catholicism. More broadly, this decision could give notice of the resurgence of Catholic social teaching in an age ever more defined by nationalism and individualism. As famous theologian, Robert Orsi, pointed out just how damning this name selection was.
“And I think by choosing the name Leo XIV, this pope was, without a doubt, signalling a return to a global Catholicism,” – Robert Orsi
To illustrate his points during the address, Leo XIV chose to spotlight the Peru parishioners. He decided not to highlight his close ties to the United States. This omission has left many asking what this means for his vision of the Church’s role in an ever-growing, divided world.
“I think it’s very significant that he did not give a shout-out to the United States. He didn’t say, ‘I’m from America.’ He didn’t speak in English,” – Pullella
His words demonstrate a growing recognition that the global Catholic community is multiracial, multicultural, and multinational—not confined to any one nation’s borders. This view follows a similar thread in his past criticism on U.S. nationalism during the Trump Administration.
Experience Shaping Leadership
Pope Leo XIV’s two decades in Peru provided him with profound insights into poverty and social justice issues faced by many communities around the world. His subsequent ministry as bishop of Chiclayo deepened his commitment to serve the poor and marginalized. Of course, his experience in the Roman Curia will greatly bolster his authority. He will have to lead the Church confidently through these challenging times.
Bruni drew attention to the timely nature of Leo XIV’s comments in the context of artificial intelligence today and its impact on humanity. He emphasized that the new pope is responding to issues of today. This is an example of his insistence on meeting the new challenges that Catholics are confronted with in the world today.
“It is not a casual reference to the men and women of their work at a time of artificial intelligence,” – Bruni
Pope Leo XIV is just beginning his papacy. He will no doubt face immense challenges from both within the Church and in the society. His leadership style will likely blend compassion with his commitment to traditional values, seeking to unite Catholics while addressing pressing global issues.
