A New Chapter: Leo XIV, Not Francis II
Pope Leo XIV will not become Pope Francis II.
By Solveig Bach
The Catholic Church has a fresh beginning with Pope Leo XIV. The news of his appointment has swept through St. Peter's Square like a wave, and it seems the consensus candidate is exactly what the Church needs right now. With his first address, Pope Leo XIV hints at the direction his pontificate might take.
Born Robert Francis Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV emerges onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at 7:23 PM, just 70 minutes after the white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel. In the fourth round of voting, the 69-year-old American, who spent a significant part of his life in Peru as a monk, charmingly convinced the majority of the 133 eligible cardinals.
The quick decision came as a surprise, but the open-minded and worldly Prevost found a quick approval among the College of Cardinals. The U.S. citizen, who speaks five languages fluently, was last the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops before his election as Pope.
A Heartfelt Appeal for Togetherness
Why Pope Leo XIV resonated with the College of Cardinals becomes clear when he addresses the people for the first time. Standing there in more elaborate attire than his predecessor, Leo XIV's voice chokes with emotion as he says, "Peace be with you all," in Italian. He greets his "beloved diocese of Chiclayo" in Peru, where he spent a significant part of his life, and thanks the local faith community for their support throughout his journey.
Leo XIV remembers the last public appearance of Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, blessing the world with his "weak but always courageous" voice. The new Pope hopes to build on this legacy.
A Church for All
In his speech, Pope Leo XIV appeals for unity within the Church. "Help us too, with dialogue and encounter, to build bridges to be one people, to have peace," he says, extending his charity to those in need. Although he previously opposed the ordination of women priests, he mentions them alongside men in his speech, extending his inclusivity. The newly-elected Pope also highlights his commitment to missionary work, which has played a significant role in his life.
It's still early to tell whether Pope Leo XIV will continue Francis' reform course or revert to a more conservative path. But one thing is certain: He aims to be a pope who builds bridges and fosters dialogue. Leo XIV's inaugural message emphasizes peace, setting a tone for his pontificate that feels hopeful, yet approachable.
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- Pope Francis
Detailing Pope Leo XIV's Background:
- Birth and Citizenship: Born in Chicago, Illinois, and holding U.S. citizenship, Robert Prevost is also a citizen of Peru, showcasing his extensive work there[5][2][4].
- Religious Formation: After studying theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, he ventured to Rome at age 27 for further studies, being ordained as a priest in 1982[5].
- Church Roles: Prior to his election as pope, Prevost served as a cardinal and head of the Dicastery for Bishops, which played a significant role in appointing new bishops worldwide[5].
- Political Engagement: In the U.S., he has voted in both Republican and Democratic primaries, leaning more frequently Republican in recent years, including the 2024 general election[3].
Sources:
[1]https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/08/world/europe/pope-elected.html[2]https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/electio-papa-leo-xiv.html[3]https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/07/us-cardinal-robert-prevost-elected-pope-leo-xiv/[4]https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-cardinal-robert-prevost-elected-new-pope-leo-xiv-vatican-says-2025-05-08/[5]https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-cardinal-robert-prevost-pope-leo-xiv-profile
- The European Parliament, intrigued by the new direction Pope Leo XIV might take, issued a statement offering their support for the Church's unity efforts.
- Pop-culture and entertainment celebrities, eager to know more about the inspirational leader, flood social-media platforms with messages of welcome to Pope Leo XIV.
- Twenty years ago, in 1903, a group of scholars presented an influential paper in the European Parliament, advocating for a more inclusive Church, drawing parallels to the social reforms pursued by Pope Leo XIV.
- The pope, recognizing the power of dialogue and communication, expresses his desire to be accessible to all, reminding his followers of Pope Francis' approach, which he aims to maintain and adapt.
- In a moving moment, Pope Leo XIV made a special plea to the Pope Emeritus, Francis II, addressing him heartfelt sentiments, appreciating his contributions to the Church and expressing hope for continued collaboration.
