What’s in a name? Well, for the new Pope, a lot. Earlier this evening, white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel indicated that a new Pope was chosen to follow Francis.
Cardinal Robert Prevost has taken the name Leo XIV. Traditionally, a Pope named Leo tends to prioritize reform, especially with a progressive Catholic agenda. This brings to mind the last Pope Leo, Leo XIII, who, back in 1891, wrote important documents advocating for workers’ rights, safe working conditions, and union membership. If Francis is seen as the people’s Pope, then Leo XIV is gearing up to be the Pope of Workers.
The Catholic Church in the U.S. is quite divided. On one side, there are those who support Trump’s take on elections and align with Vance’s notion that family comes first, followed by local community, with humanity taking a back seat. Conversely, supporters of Pope Francis contend this view misrepresents Christianity. Perhaps Leo XIV will share opinions more aligned with Francis.
Prevost, an American priest, brings a unique perspective. He grew up in Chicago, joined the Augustinian order, became a missionary in Peru, and was appointed bishop by Pope Francis. This diverse background could give him fresh insights into the Americas and the role of the U.S. globally. Many in Latin America view their large neighbor with skepticism and perceive the church as a vehicle for liberation rather than merely upholding tradition.
During the conclave, the Cardinals would have evaluated the necessary qualities for the next leader, including leadership skills, pastoral care, and familiarity with the Vatican. Prevost ticks all those boxes. He leads his religious order, has extensive parish experience, and oversees the division responsible for choosing bishops since 2023. His leadership is expected to prioritize nurturing pastoral care.
Meanwhile, there are concerns about Prevost’s handling of the Peruvian abuse crisis. The ongoing issue of sexual abuse within the Church is a stain that needs addressing, and how he navigates this will be one of his significant challenges.
Despite earlier remarks from Pope Francis about concerns regarding a “gay lifestyle,” some LGBTQ+ advocates are optimistic. For example, Jesuit priest James Martin, known for being a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ Catholics, has labeled Prevost’s election a “great choice.”
Additionally, Cardinal Prevost will face various challenges ahead. His discussions during the General Congregation highlighted the importance of the Church’s role, particularly in advocating for environmental issues amid a crisis and reassessing the role of women within the Church. While Pope Francis has made strides by appointing women to key Vatican positions, the male dominance within the Church remains apparent.
One clear message resonated among the Cardinals: the new Pope must embody the title Pontifex, which means “Bridge-builder.” Addressing a crowd of about 40,000 and countless Catholics worldwide from the balcony of St. Peter’s Cathedral, Leo XIV emphasized the need for a Church that builds bridges. This new Pope will certainly need to reflect on the U.S. landscape and envision how to foster unity. The Pope of Workers may also need to be a Pope of Unity.
