“Habemus Papam!” The new Pope has been announced.
We now know that Robert Francis Prevost will be known as Leo XIV. At 69 years old, he is the first Pope from America and the second from the Americas overall. Interestingly, he’s also the second youngest pope in modern history, following St. John Paul II, who was just 58 when he took on the role.
During his inaugural address, which included the traditional “urbi et orbi” blessing, Pope Leo XIV offered a special greeting to the children in Peru. His time spent working in the poorest communities there led him to become a naturalized citizen of the country, reflecting his strong connection to it.
Pope Leo XIV is a former leader of the Augustinian order, founded by St. Augustine himself. He humorously remarked, “The son of St. Augustine… With you I am a Christian; for you, I am a bishop.”
As someone who has traveled extensively, Leo XIV is the first truly international pope. He speaks several languages, including Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and French, in addition to his native English.
Pope Francis appointed Prevost to Rome in January 2023, where he served as the Dicaster’s Secretary for Bishops and was the President of the Latin American Clergy Committee. Just nine months later, he was elevated to the rank of cardinal.
Known for his administrative skills, Prevost has notably contributed to the Catholic Church. Now, we have a clearer picture of who the new Pope is, but it leaves us wondering about the kind of leader he will be.
This situation reminds me a bit of the secrecy surrounding the drafting of the US Constitution in 1787. It was a time filled with uncertainty and speculation, much like what we face now regarding the new Pope’s direction.
I think even Leo XIV might not fully understand the scope of his new position just yet. However, there are hints in his choice of name. Thirteen previous Popes have taken the name Leo, with Leo XIII being particularly known for advocating social justice. In fact, he wrote the famous encyclical “Rerum Novarum” in 1891, highlighting the struggles of workers oppressed by unchecked competition.
In our contemporary climate of globalization and economic struggles, Pope Leo XIV seems poised to be a strong advocate for social justice, echoing the themes emphasized by Pope Francis.
Prevost Cardinal highlighted essential leadership qualities during an interview in 2023, describing a need for closeness to God, the bishops, and all people of God. He cautioned against the temptation of isolation within a privileged church life.
In his address, the new Pope expressed his commitment to building bridges and fostering dialogue. He also acknowledged the contributions of Pope Francis, expressing gratitude for his leadership.
In a recent Synodality conference, which brought together church leaders from around the world, Prevost participated in discussions on inclusivity within the Catholic community, emphasizing the importance of listening to a diverse range of voices.
James Martin, who attended the conference, described Leo XIV as a “kind, open, humble, reserved, and hardworking” individual, though there is still much we don’t yet know about him.
Pope Francis once shared that writing his encyclicals was not something he anticipated, and it remains to be seen what direction Leo XIV will take in his papacy.
Transitioning from the title “Your Excellency” to “Your Holiness” represents a significant shift. Pope Francis, once a reserved figure, has embraced a more approachable demeanor, engaging with people in heartfelt ways.
Pope Leo XIV is now embarking on a journey that will undoubtedly alter his life forever. His inaugural address called for progress, echoing the sentiments of Pope Francis, who famously urged everyone to “keep moving forward.”
With Leo XIV at the helm, Catholics may be hopeful that the Church will continue its path of growth and reform.
