"Breaking the Mold: A Different Kind of Pope"
Jesuit historian predicts Leo XIV's papacy to exhibit strong political leanings.
Meet Pope Leo XIV, the newly crowned leader of the Catholic Church. Church historian Hubert Wolf sees the American as a pragmatic, middle-of-the-road pope. Unlike his predecessor, he doesn't foresee any drastic church or theological reforms from the new pontiff.
Leo XIV isn't expected to be a progressive standout. "Don't expect groundbreaking reforms on women priests orordination, Wolf stated. "He's known to be a balanced, diplomatic, and non-ideological leader."
Although he paid tribute to his predecessor, Francis, in his first public speech, he also made it clear he's not a carbon copy. "He broke free from the humble image Francis presented, appearing in full red attire instead of white. Signaling: I'm not merely a replica of Francis."
Politics will be a crucial part of Leo XIV's papacy, Wolf predicts. This is evident in his inaugural speech, emphasizing "Peace be with you," and opting for a handwritten speech over a pre-written one.
A Man on a Mission, a Cardinal Now Pope
Born in Chicago in 1955 to multi-cultural parents, Prevost first pursued mathematics before joining the Augustinian order in 1977. After being ordained a priest in Rome in 1982, he earned a doctorate in canon law there. His missionary work in Peru in the mid-80s led to him founding parishes, leading a seminary, and playing a part in bishop training.
In 2015, Pope Francis appointed him bishop of Chiclayo, a diocese in Peru. In 2023, he took the helm of the Dicastery for Bishops, the Vatican office responsible for selecting bishops worldwide. The same year, he received the cardinal's hat.
Once a missionary, now a cardinal, and now Pope Leo XIV, Prevost's journey embodies a life dedicated to serving the Church. While his views on social issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and abortion may veer more conservative, his commitment to accountability and transparency is unwavering. Expect the new pope to shape the Church in his own image, striving for a balanced and reform-oriented papacy.
- As a newly crowned pope, Leo XIV is perceived as a pragmatic, middle-of-the-road leader, deviating from his predecessor's progressive image but emphasizing continuity in politics.
- With his roots in the multi-cultural community of Chicago and extensive experience in diplomacy, Prevost's journey to become Pope Leo XIV embodies a life dedicated to serving the Church.
- While Prevost's views on social issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and abortion may lean conservative, his commitment to accountability and transparency is a significant aspect of his papacy.
- As the head of the Dicastery for Bishops, which selects bishops worldwide, and with his history of establishing parishes and leading seminaries, expectations are high for Pope Leo XIV to shape the Church in his own image, pursuing a balanced and reform-oriented policy.
