The election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Prevost of the United States, has rocked the world. At this writing, he has landed as the epicenter of international outrage in this unexpected development. The past bishop has been a longstanding advocate for social justice initiatives. Now he’s been elected to lead that patchwork of the Catholic Church, making this an extraordinary moment in its history. Few expected him to be the one chosen. He is, simultaneously, the embodiment of a great movement toward more progressive core values and the continued cohesion of the global church.
Pope Leo XIV spent 27 years of his life laboring in Peru. Through his advocacy and organizing work he developed a deep understanding of the struggles that marginalized communities experience. His time spent there has deeply informed his understanding of social justice, with a strong lens on issues faced by the working and migrant class. The new pope quickly becomes an advocate for the ongoing challenges faced by migrants. He’s furthering inclusivity as a value within the church and illustrating his deep love for pastoral care to his congregants.
We have excerpted an important piece of his recent work, a short book—more than 14,000 words—which tackles the question of what is the right balance between capitalism and capital. In this fictional letter, we imagine Pope Leo XIV advocating for equitable wages for all workers. He paints a picture of just how important unions are in protecting these rights. He, like his predecessor, Pope Francis, centers social justice in all his work. Such an alignment would put him shoulder to shoulder with many other inflammatory issues roiling American society today.
A Voice for Inclusivity and Social Justice
Pope Leo XIV’s progressiveness is most evident in his attitude towards LGBTQ+ individuals. He has openly expressed support for inclusivity within the church, stating, “We want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering.” This long-term commitment speaks to the larger desire outlined above, to deeply connect with new, diverse communities and create meaningful dialogue.
He sees his positions as aligned with those in favor of LGBTQ+ rights in the Catholic Church. Francis DeBernardo, a prominent figure in this realm, noted that “Pope Francis opened the door to a new approach to LGBTQ+ people. Pope Leo must now guide the church through that door.” This mood illuminates the hope of many that Pope Leo XIV will lead the church into an era of more widespread acceptance and understanding.
In addition, he has not been afraid to take on controversial political leaders. In a recent exchange on X (formerly Twitter), Pope Leo XIV criticized JD Vance for implying that love for others should be conditional. He stated firmly, “JD Vance is wrong. Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.” Those comments show his heart when it comes to an interpretation of Christian values that is far more crippling and understanding.
Addressing Contemporary Issues
The newly elected pontiff has shown willingness to go equally as harsh on some of today’s most controversial social issues. He’s a passionate advocate for gun reform and climate action. This illustrates his profound sensitivity to new global realities that extend beyond conventional religious concerns. As part of a broader public health strategy, he has supported vaccinations, in keeping with the leadership that we’ve needed since the start of this pandemic.
Pope Leo XIV’s leadership on immigration policy has as well. He’s drawing on the idea of ordo amoris, or the order of love. His real goal, we learn, is to speak out against the inhumanity of America’s immigrant practices. His recent statement on pastoral care for migrants reflects his commitment to serve society’s most vulnerable, including immigrants seeking asylum.
“In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed his commitment to fostering peace and unity within the church and beyond. “Help each other to build bridges — with dialogue, with encounter, uniting all of us to be one people always in peace,” he urged congregants and followers alike.”
Perspectives on Leadership and Future Directions
With his election, Pope Leo XIV takes on the task of shepherding an increasingly diverse and complicated institution. His prior experience in Peru and understanding of social issues uniquely position him to address both internal church dynamics and broader societal challenges. Randall Balmer, a professor of religion at Dartmouth College, reflected on the significance of this leadership change. “Leo, as I understand it, was responsible for the placement and promotion of bishops in the church, which suggests to me that he was complicit in not elevating Jose Gomez, archbishop of Los Angeles, to the College of Cardinals.”
The new pope’s view is expected to set the tone for debates on everything from sex to the environment in the Catholic church. His close alignment with progressive values has increased alarm among those who see him as a major threat. They are calling it a cautionary tale to politicians who would challenge these values on the ballot. Elizabeth Yore expressed this sentiment clearly: “This is a warning to Trump.”
As Pope Leo XIV settles into his role, many will watch closely how he navigates the complexities of leading a global church while addressing contemporary issues that affect millions around the world. His knowledge and ability to engage with different communities will be important in helping create a sense of belonging among all congregants.
