Elected May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Prevost, the 267th Roman Catholic pontiff. He decided to take the name Pope Leo XIV. The announcement played out at St. Peter’s Basilica. Standing on that central loggia, the first pope of the new millennium enchanted hundreds of thousands of listeners with his speech. Journey with Pope Leo XIV as he adjusts to his new role during this pivotal time in the Church’s history. There is massive hope, goodwill and enthusiasm for his leadership.
Once elected, Pope Leo XIV wasted no time reaching out to the faithful, hustling from event to event. Here, he is seen leading the Regina Caeli prayer from the Loggia delle Benedizioni at St. Peter’s Basilica during the canonizations on May 11, 2025. This ancient hymn of praise is prayed throughout the Easter season. It demonstrates the pope’s commitment to spiritual, non-military leadership and deepens his relationship with the worldwide Catholic family.
On the occasion of his first Mass, Pope Leo XIV chose a simple, yet moving homily that eventually won every single soul who was present that day. Footage of this moment has been widely circulated, showing his poise under pressure and commitment to serving Massachusetts in his new role. Debates over his decision-making processes and authority are causing tempers to flare. Consequently, as some have begun to refer to him, the “triple pope,” shows his unique trifecta of approaches that characterize his papacy.
Luciana Marquez is just one among the many who are thrilled about Pope Leo XIV. She even flew all the way to Rome to meet him in person! Marquez added a personal touch to the announcement of the new pope, recalling that he was a friend of her grandfather. This relationship speaks to the deep connections that exist in the Church family. Beyond the collection’s artistic merit, it highlights the human stories that intersect with papal history.
Yet outside of his spiritual obligations, Pope Leo XIV has made headlines beyond Twitter and X. A TikToker, who had known him when he served as a bishop, went viral after documenting their encounters. This incident is a telling example of just how fragile communication and connection can be in today’s digital landscape. It promotes intergenerational bonding and establishes an intimate comfort level with the pontiff.
Pope Leo XIV continues to lead prayers and deliver speeches, striving to address contemporary issues facing the Church and society as a whole. His multifaceted participation in the community highlights his dedication to spiritual leadership paired with social outreach and engagement.
