Pope Leo XIV formally began his papacy on Sunday with an inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square, drawing an estimated 200,000 attendees, including foreign dignitaries and faithful waving U.S. and Peruvian flags—a nod to his unique background as a Chicago-born missionary who later adopted Peruvian citizenship. The 69-year-old pontiff, born Robert Prevost, smiled and waved from the popemobile as crowds chanted “Viva il Papa” and “Papa Leone,” marking a jubilant start to a papacy poised to bridge divides within the Catholic Church.
Unexpected Choice Signals Shift in Vatican Priorities
Prevost’s election stunned observers, as he was elevated to cardinal only two years ago following decades of missionary work in Latin America. His selection after a one-day conclave contrasts sharply with the global prominence of his predecessor, Pope Francis, whose 12-year tenure reshaped the Church through progressive reforms but drew fierce criticism from traditionalists. Leo XIV’s relative anonymity—compared to Francis’s focus on marginalized communities—has sparked debate over whether his leadership will prioritize consolidation over bold doctrinal shifts.
Inaugural Address Vows Continuity Amid New Challenges
In his first homily, Leo XIV pledged to uphold Francis’s social justice legacy, including commitments to environmental stewardship and poverty reduction, while vowing to safeguard the Church’s “rich heritage.” Emphasizing unity, he invoked the term seven times, declaring, “It is never a question of capturing others by force… [but] loving, as Jesus did.” The address sought to reconcile appeals to conservatives critical of Francis’s “autocratic” style with promises to address modern ethical dilemmas, notably artificial intelligence.
Analysts noted the delicate balancing act: Leo XIV must navigate deepening ideological rifts while confronting 21st-century issues, from AI ethics to declining congregations in Europe. His missionary background and multicultural identity, however, may bolster his outreach to the Global South, where Catholicism is growing.
The ceremony concluded without direct reference to ongoing scandals or internal reforms, leaving open questions about his approach to governance. Yet for many attendees, the day symbolized hope. “He feels like a pope for all,” said Maria López, a Peruvian pilgrim. “Not just the margins or the center, but everyone.”