Pope Leo XIV pledges peace, unity and missionary renewal
(CNS photo/Vatican Media)
VATICAN: The Catholic Church turned a new page in history on May 8, 2025, as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American missionary and Vatican official, was elected the 268th pope. He emerged from the conclave as Pope Leo XIV, the first American to ascend the papacy in modern history, and signalled from the outset a clear commitment to carry forward the vision of a church that is missionary, synodal, and deeply engaged in peace building. Speaking from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica just hours after his election, Leo XIV opened with the Easter greeting of the Risen Christ: 'Peace be with you!' He described this peace as 'a disarmed peace and a disarming peace, humble and persevering.' The new Pope, formerly the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, thanked his predecessor, Pope Francis, for his enduring leadership. Citing Francis' 'weak but always courageous voice' in his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, Leo XIV pledged continuity with his vision of a church that 'walks together, builds bridges and remains close to the suffering.' 'We want to be a synodal Church,' Pope Leo said. 'A Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close especially to those who suffer.' His election was swift — chosen by the College of Cardinals on the second day of the conclave. In defying conventional wisdom that an American would not be chosen due to the US's geopolitical status, the cardinals delivered a bold statement of trust in Prevost's global and pastoral outlook. In his first public remarks, Pope Leo XIV spoke in both Italian and Spanish, reflecting his missionary background in Latin America and his Vatican experience. He described his election as a call 'to walk together with you as a united Church searching all together for peace and justice, working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ without fear.' Pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square responded with cheers, flag-waving, and emotional hymns. Among the celebrants was a group of women religious attending a plenary assembly of the International Union of Superiors General in Rome. 'When the white smoke appeared, we all sang the Alleluia,' recalled French Sr Nathalie Becquart, undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops and a veteran of both recent synodal assemblies. 'It was incredible.' Sr Becquart, along with other synodal participants, underscored the continuity Leo XIV represents. 'I can see and feel that he is a very balanced, serious man, who will take his time to determine how to continue the work of the synod,' she said. Observers and collaborators during the synodal process also emphasised his missionary grounding and his thoughtful leadership style. 'He never wanted to be the centre of attention,' said José Manuel De Urquidi, founder of the Juan Diego Network. 'He cares deeply about people — especially about the bishops from all over the world.' Leo XIV's choice of papal name evokes further symbolism. 'Pope Leo XIII is the father of Catholic social teaching,' noted theologian Anna Rowlands, an expert in the synod process. 'It's really interesting that Pope Leo XIV is going to follow in that legacy now.' Rowlands emphasised that synodality — a key theme of Leo's inaugural address — is not simply about structure, but mission. 'People forget that mission was at the heart of the synodal process: the renewal of the church on the inside to proclaim a credible witness to the world outside.' Kim Daniels, communications advisor to the synodal assemblies, described Leo XIV as 'an American with a missionary heart and a global vision — a son of Chicago who's spent his adult life in Peru and now Rome.' His election, Daniels said, confirms the cardinals' endorsement of Pope Francis' vision of spiritual and structural renewal. But Pope Leo XIV inherits a church in flux. While Catholicism continues to grow globally — especially in Africa and Asia — the Church faces critical internal and external challenges. These include rising global conflicts, persecution of Christians, migration crises, and the decline of international cooperation. Internally, Pope Leo must navigate deep divisions over synodality, the role of women, Church governance, and priestly formation. Francis had set the stage for structural reform through the synod on synodality, which is scheduled to continue through 2028. Its goals include fostering inclusivity, strengthening accountability, and expanding lay participation in church ministries. He also faces urgent financial and administrative challenges: Vatican budget shortfalls, a looming pension deficit, and the continued need for comprehensive measures to address clergy sexual abuse. A decision is also pending on whether to retain Pope Francis' Council of Cardinals, which advises on governance reforms. Among his first decisions could be whether to proceed with a long-planned trip to Turkey later this month. The event, commemorating the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, was dear to Francis and is expected to bring together global Christian leaders in an ecumenical gathering.
Pope Leo XIV concluded his address with a message of unity and hope: 'Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward.' --Agencies
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