What will Leo XIV's pontificate be like? What can we expect from the new Pope of the Catholic Church?
Leo XIV presented himself as a Pope concerned with social problems and a seeker of world peace. One of the most notable aspects was his commitment to continuing Pope Francis' legacy, characterized by caring for others and serving those most in need, especially the poor and migrants.
The Catholic Church has elected 69-year-old American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as its new Pope, now known as Leo XIV. A progressive man, expected to follow the path pioneered by Pope Francis, with a missionary background and strong ties to Latin America, Spain, and the United States
Two cardinals outlined the mission priorities of the new leader of the Catholic Church and offered their opinions on the guidelines Pope Leo XIV might adopt in the coming years.
"He spoke his first word about peace. I think it was an important word, which he made clear once again," commented German Cardinal Richard Marx, referring to Prevost's speech from the Vatican balcony to the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square after the white cloud of smoke.
In that sense, he noted that Leo XIV will most likely continue his messages against war and violence at a time when the world is facing active outbreaks in several regions. "There needs to be another voice, and I think that's what's expected," he added.
Marx also recalled that, before entering the conclave, Prevost had already made his position on the issue of migrants clear, especially in the United States, where President Donald Trump ordered an intense policy of deporting illegal immigrants.
While he could stand firm on this point, Marx noted that he would be expected to be less defiant toward Trump and, consequently, somewhat more moderate than Francis.
It's worth remembering that Prevost worked as a missionary in Peru, living there for about 40 years, reaching out to the people and those in need. He believes that "bishops must be pastors close to their people, rather than mere administrators," and therefore will promote a united Church, always ready to accompany and listen to all its members
Leo XII was a very famous pontiff in his time for writing an encyclical on labor. In it, he did not hesitate to demand fair wages for all workers. "So, he will be a pope concerned with social issues" and "a missionary pope. It's noteworthy that he mentioned Peru and his stay there as a missionary in his first speech."
Reverend Joseph Farrell, vicar general of the Order of St. Augustine and close to the American since the mid-1980s, agreed with the cardinal, stating that, in fact, "that is an attractive aspect of someone who is going to exercise servant leadership in the Church."
"Pope Francis expressed his opinion immediately. I think what we'll see with Pope Leo is a man who first thinks and processes the message he wants to convey. And only then does he convey it," he explained. Secondly, Farrell emphasized that the name chosen by the new pontiff is directly related to his mission as head of the Church.
The decision to call himself Leo XIV, in honor of Pope Leo XIII, one of the most influential pontiffs, was a clear demonstration of his principles and values.
"His name is his program," said Serbian Cardinal Ladislav Nemet, archbishop of Belgrade, after recently sharing dinner with Pope Leo XIV.
Leo XIII (1878-1903) was one of the most influential popes in modern history and author of the encyclical Rerum Novarum, which defends the right to decent work, the right of workers to organize in unions and receive a fair wage, all of which were guidelines that established the foundations of the Social Doctrine of the Church.
"It's very interesting that he wants to pay more attention to the world's social issues, such as issues of justice," Nemet said, also mentioning a peculiar observation the new pontiff made the day before.
"He said we are in the midst of a new revolution: in the time of Leo XIII, there was an industrial revolution underway; now there is a digital revolution underway," driven by new technologies and artificial intelligence, he explained. Thus, "today, as in the time of Leo XIII, there is an employment problem, because digitalization entails a reduction in the workforce needed for work," he added.
Finally, German Cardinal Richard Marx suggested that Robert Francis Prevost's extensive history of service could also be key to advancing his potential direction as leader of the Catholic Church.