Pope Leo XIV, a key advisor to Pope Francis, would have made quite the splash on his papacy. He gave an extremely moving and prayerful homily from the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square. His election completed, after a short welcome, he spoke for nearly ten minutes. He communicated his vision for the church and the values that will guide his leadership. His speech resonated with themes of peace and unity, drawing parallels to his predecessor while establishing his own identity within the papal role.
In an apparent expression of thanks, Pope Leo XIV shouted, “Thank you, Pope Francis!” at the end of his speech. This admission touches on the tremendous impact that Pope Francis has had on him already and creates a conciliatory atmosphere that will help define his papacy. He spoke to the faithful assembled in the square and compellingly called for bridge builders. He modeled and then called for encounter, dialogue and communion with all peoples.
A Humble Beginning
Cardinal Leo XIV entered the conclave seemingly resolved. When elected pope, he chose to abandon the ostentation usually surrounding the office. Turning down the chance to live in the Apostolic Palace, he chose a sparse room in a Vatican guesthouse. This decision is entirely consistent with his personal devotion to simplicity and humility, two characteristics so important to his Catholic faith.
In his inaugural address, he referred to himself as “just a son of Saint Augustine.” This living proof made the bold proclamation’s connection to St. Augustine’s teachings very hard to miss. His lifelong commitment to these principles will surely have a profound impact on the course of papacy. It’s a decision he’s made to live his life more simply. This decision makes him live the teachings that came from one of his heroes, St. Augustine.
Pope Leo XIV decided to speak to the crowd in Italian. In his speeches, he often included Spanish phrases to appeal to a large, multicultural audience. This linguistic choice merely highlights his larger focus on inclusivity and accessibility as it pertains to the church.
Emphasizing Peace and Dialogue
Like in his own address, Pope Leo XIV created a beautiful narrative by making peace the central theme. Help us, and let’s build bridges together,” he said. “By coming together in conversation and experience, we can become one people who live together in peace. Even as a call to action, this phrase can be seen as a guiding principle of his papacy, fostering collaboration among communities of every culture and faith.
He acknowledged the legacy of Pope Francis, stating, “We still have in our ears that weak but always courageous voice.” This attribution not only pays tribute to his predecessor, but speaks to the enduring values that have been the core of both popes’ missions. By invoking similarities between himself and Pope Francis, he raises his leadership to a much bigger stage of compassionate stewardship.
Pope Leo XIV is dedicated to building relationships between people and communities. He would like to expand on the foundation that Pope Francis laid. His vision for peace will surely continue to guide institutes and ambassadors towards outreach and understandings for many years, even as his papacy unfolds itself.
Anticipating Future Directions
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, many observers are eager to see how his commitment to St. Augustine’s teachings will manifest in practical policies and church engagements. That commitment to simplicity of life and creating space for dialogue is profoundly transformative. This approach would appeal to both the old guard and the hipster generation of the church.
The faithful and followers across the globe will be looking closely as he begins taking actions to bring that vision to life. The emphasis on peace and unity could herald a new era for the Catholic Church, one that seeks to heal divisions and foster understanding among diverse populations.
