Pope Leo XIV was elected by an unanimous conclave and officially opened his papacy on May 8, 2025. He was elected to become the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinal Robert Prevost began his new mission with great zeal. At the ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, he took the name Pope Leo XIV. With this scant acknowledgment, we come to one of the important moments in the Church’s life. It is into these challenges and opportunities that he steps into leadership now.
Just three days after his own election, Pope Leo XIV stepped out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. During the Regina Caeli prayer, from the Loggia delle Benedizioni on May 11, 2025, he addressed thousands of faithful gathered below, delivering a message of hope and unity. His presence at such a historic location emphasized his commitment to the Church’s mission and its global congregation.
In his inaugural Mass, Pope Leo XIV offered a prophetic homily of ethical clarity that deeply touched the thousands gathered for the occasion. And oh, how he spoke about faith and compassion! From this, he reinforced the Church’s collective duty to care for its members and serve the surrounding society. His words gave rise to the spirit of revival. So in his personal, pastoral life, he called on believers to embody those values of love and service.
Father Beck, who previously studied alongside Pope Leo XIV, expressed profound surprise and pride upon learning of his friend’s election. On their journey together, as both were preparing for ministry, he shared about their time in seminary, and emphasized Pope Leo XIV’s commitment and spiritual depth. Father Beck’s immediate response underscores the importance of these personal connections in the Church. It features the extraordinary personal relationships that leaders develop with one another.
Pope Leo XIV’s election takes place in a dark time for the Church. It has to address modern-day challenges and foster the principle of inclusion with the membership it serves. We are confident that his leadership style will marry old school principles with new school vision. This unique blend will attract not only younger congregants but older congregants who appreciate traditional practices.
