- Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is the first Pope from the United States.
- In his early statements, the new Pope hinted at his leadership direction.
- The last Pope Leo, reigning from 1878 to 1903, championed workers’ rights.
As he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV revealed three significant insights about his vision for leading the 1.4 billion members of the Catholic Church.
Formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States, he was elected by the global cardinals on Thursday, just two days into the conclave selecting a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away last month.
Being the first Pope hailing from the U.S., he also holds dual citizenship in Peru, where he served as a missionary for many years prior to becoming a cardinal.
His first hint came with the choice of his papal name—a common practice to signal the key priorities of a new pontificate.
Pope Francis had chosen his name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century figure known for his dedication to the poor and rejection of material wealth.
The last Pope to adopt the name Leo, Leo XIII, was known for advocating workers’ rights during his time in office from 1878 to 1903, where he called for fair compensation, safe working conditions, and the right to unionize.
“By adopting the name Leo XIV, he demonstrates a commitment to the Church’s social teachings,” remarked Rev. Thomas Reese, a Jesuit commentator with keen insight on the papacy.
His initial public words, “La pace sia con tutti voi!” (“Peace be with you!”), resonated with traditional Catholic greetings and immediately conveyed a message of peace amid global discord.
Before entering into the private conclave on May 7, the cardinals expressed their sorrow over ongoing conflicts in areas including Ukraine, the Middle East, and elsewhere, making a heartfelt plea for peace.
The new pope expressed his desire to share God’s peace, describing it as “a humble and enduring peace” that is “disarmed and disarming.”
He also acknowledged Francis, noting the late Pope’s last blessing delivered to the crowds in Rome on Easter Sunday, just a day before his passing from a stroke after struggling with double pneumonia for weeks.
“We still hear the resonant, yet fragile voice of Pope Francis,” he reflected.
Pope Leo XIV requested to bestow the same blessing Francis had shared recently, stating: “God loves us, God loves everyone, and evil will not triumph. We remain in God’s hands.”
His third hint was visible in his attire. In contrast to Francis, who had eschewed traditional papal garb upon his election in 2013, Leo adorned himself in classic red papal robes over a white cassock.
While he aligns with Francis’ legacy, Leo signaled that he is charting his own unique path as Pope.
