I used to be one of those commentators who confidently believed that a Pope wouldn’t be elected from America. My reasoning was typical; I usually told journalists that Cardinals would hesitate to hand over the church’s leadership to U.S. citizens until, well, maybe the United States wasn’t a superpower anymore.
But now, it seems we were all surprisingly wrong. When the white smoke appeared sooner than expected, I thought for sure Cardinal Pietro Parolin was the new Pope. I was caught off guard when the name announced from the front loggia of St. Peter’s Cathedral was Robert Francis Prevost. I didn’t realize the implications of that name.
And it’s not like Prevost is just another American. He’s from Chicago, which is just about 25 minutes away from my hometown. It felt really surreal, as if the whole thing was impossible.
Finally, he appeared on the balcony dressed in the Pope’s traditional white cassocks, yet he also wore elaborate mosettas and embroidery reminiscent of Pope Francis. This new Pope is already making ripples in the world.
It was clear from his very appearance that he intends to pave his own way. This act could be seen as a gesture of reconciliation towards more conservative Catholics who might have felt overlooked by Francis. Choosing Leo XIV as his papal name resonates deeply with anyone familiar with Church history.
By invoking Leo XIII, who led the Catholic Church from 1878 to 1903, he positioned himself thoughtfully within that legacy. Leo XIII had a uniquely nuanced stance towards modernity, especially reflected in his groundbreaking encyclical, *Rerum Novarum*. It launched a new tradition of social thought within the Church.
Conservatives often embrace that encyclical for its firm criticism of socialism and robust defense of private property. But Leo XIII also stressed the “universal destinations of goods,” suggesting that since everything ultimately belongs to God, how we use our resources should prioritize the common good.
A stunning line from that document states, “When the needs of the poor are met, the remainder belongs to the poor.” Remarkably, the same Leo XIII who championed workers’ rights also offered sharp critiques of liberal democracy. So, in choosing to take Leo XIV as his name, it suggests he’s saying both yes and no to the contemporary world.
However, I believe we need to look deeper than mere political or cultural involvement. In his inaugural speech from the Loggia, Leo XIV identified as “the son of St. Augustine,” beginning his address with a focus on the peace brought by the resurrected Christ.
Robert Prevost, who is part of Augustine’s Order, has clearly been influenced by the profound thoughts of this significant fifth-century bishop, who is considered one of the greatest intellects in Church history. One of the most well-known lines from Augustine’s *Confessions* resonates: “Lord, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” This highlights the Church’s mission to fulfill a deep longing for God present in every human soul.
Ultimately, Leo XIV’s role is to be an evangelist. He’s tasked with powerfully proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. Of course, the Popes also manage, direct, and preach, but at heart, they are heralds of the Gospel.
I’m not sure what kind of administrator St. Peter was—though history tells us he preached resurrection fervently. Leo XIV carries on that same legacy, well aware that his work is a continuation of that profound mission.
