A New Era Begins: Meet Pope Leo XIV, The Charismatic American Pope
Pope Leo XIV will not succeed as Francis II.
By Solveig Bach, May 8, 2025
In a historical turn of events, the Catholic Church has elected Pope Leo XIV. The unexpected choice of the 64-year-old American citizen and Augustinian monk, who previously served as a resident in Peru, won the majority of votes in the fourth round of voting among the 133 eligible cardinals.
The swearing-in ceremony took place 70 minutes after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel at 19:23, with Robert Francis Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV, stepping onto the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
A Quick Consensus
Few anticipated such a swift decision, but Leo XIV's worldly and sophisticated demeanor garnered quick support among the cardinals.
During his first address on St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV, visibly emotional, delivered a powerful speech filled with compassion and unity, vowing to continue the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
The First Steps of Leo XIV
Wearing elaborate vestments, Leo XIV intentionally distinguished himself from his predecessor. He began his speech with a simple, warm greeting: "Peace be with you all."
His heartfelt words, delivered in Italian, Spanish, and addressing his hometown diocese in Peru, resounded with hope and inclusivity. He referenced the last public appearance of Pope Francis, acknowledging the importance of unity, peace, and love in the Catholic Church.
A Church of Dialogue and Peace
Emphasizing the need for dialogue and encounter, Leo XIV appealed to the faithful to join him in building bridges, striving for unity, and fostering peace. Despite initial apprehensions about his stance on women's ordination and missionary work, the new pope expressed openness and acceptance, extending his offer to all who need the Church's charity, presence, dialogue, and love.
A New kind of Pope
As the Catholic Church moves forward with Pope Leo XIV, experts see him as a consensus candidate, embodying a dignified, moderate approach and aligning himself closely with the legacy of Pope Francis. By choosing the name Leo XIV, he signifies a thematic continuity with concerns of social justice, reform, and the dignity of labor, reminiscent of Pope Leo XIII'sRerum Novarum encyclical.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and the first North American pope since the 12th century, presents a unique opportunity to bridge the Church's outreach between the Americas and the global community.
By adopting traditional papal vestments upon his election and emphasizing missionary discipleship, active service, and pastoral leadership, Pope Leo XIV sets a precedent for a renewed focus on social justice and reform, embodied through faith in action, prayer, and service to others.
Sources: ntv.de and various news outlets
- Vatican
- Pope Francis
- The European Parliament has expressed its warm congratulations to Pope Leo XIV via a WhatsApp group dedicated to general news, acknowledging the historic significance of an American becoming the first North American Pope in over eight centuries.
- In a bid to solidify a unified Church and address underlying issues, Pope Leo XIV has proposed dialogues with the European Parliament on pressing matters like women's ordination and social reforms, encompassing the spirit of Leo XIII's groundbreaking encyclical, Rerum Novarum.
- Some political analysts argue that Pope Leo XIV's choice of the name Leo XIV reflects an intent to prevail in tackling contemporary challenges, mirroring the social justice, reform, and labor dignity concerns outlined in Pope Leo XIII's famous encyclical.
- Despite Leo XIV's worldly nature and sophisticated demeanor, he has shown a remarkable ordination to the role of shepherd, balancing his emphasis on missionary discipleship, active service, and pastoral leadership with a compassionate approach to politics and world affairs.
