Pope Leo XIV: A Papacy Rooted in Service and Outreach

Pope Leo XIV, hailing from Chicago but having served in Peru, vows to engage the Church in urgent social issues during his papacy.

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass as pontiff on May 9, pronouncing his commitment to support “ordinary people” and highlighting a mission of outreach to address societal wounds. Addressing a gathering of cardinals at the Sistine Chapel, the newly elected pope, born Robert Francis Prevost, stated that he intends to champion the marginalized within the Church, marking a notable departure from the elite.

The election of Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, has been framed by cardinals as a testament to his extensive service to the impoverished in Peru, rather than simply his nationality. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio Siongco David, speaking from the Vatican, emphasized the importance of having a leader who understands the plight of migrants—a core component of Leo’s ministry.

In a homily steeped in the teachings of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo addressed the impact of waning faith on human dignity and societal crises. He described his vision for the Roman Catholic Church, invoking a spirit of missionary outreach and emphasizing the need for the Church to engage more deeply with communities experiencing hardship. “These are contexts where it is not easy to preach the Gospel and bear witness to its truth,” he articulated, calling for efforts to connect with those who feel distanced from the faith.

His papacy is seen as a continuation of Francis’ focus on social justice as Pope Leo acknowledged during his first public address that the challenges ahead include addressing systemic issues such as inequities, dignity violations, and a crisis of meaning contributing to the suffering of many.

Concurrently, Leo XIV’s approach is marked by a commitment to collaborative governance rooted in his background with the Augustinian Order—a community that values communal decisions. His ties to Peru, where he previously served as bishop, further strengthen his credentials as a compassionate leader, familiar with the pressing realities faced by local communities.

Comments from within the Church suggest that Leo’s mission-oriented focus may cultivate a more inclusive dialogue around pressing issues like climate change, immigrant rights, and the roles of women in the Church.

As Leo XIV prepares for his official inauguration on May 18, anticipation builds regarding how he will maneuvers through the complexities of modern Catholicism. Like Francis before him, he aims to prioritize “missionary outreach,” positioning the Church as a proactive agent of healing and hope in a fractured society.