The first American pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, urges outreach to heal societal wounds, continuing the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Pope Leo XIV Begins Papacy with a Call to Align with the Common People
Pope Leo XIV Begins Papacy with a Call to Align with the Common People
In his inaugural Mass, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV emphasizes support for the marginalized and a more inclusive church.
In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States, celebrated his inaugural Mass at the Sistine Chapel on Friday. He expressed his commitment to advocate for "ordinary people" and emphasized the need to support the marginalized, including the poor and migrants. His message resiliently called for missionary outreach to address and heal the various wounds affecting society today.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who hails from Chicago, is noted not only for his American roots but also for his extensive work with the underprivileged in Peru and his previous high-ranking roles at the Vatican. During a news conference, some cardinals downplayed the significance of his nationality in the cardinal selection process, asserting that discussions regarding his American background were minimal. Cardinal Robert McElroy, the new archbishop of Washington, D.C., referred to these conversations as "almost negligible," while Cardinal Wilton Gregory stressed that the conclave was more about strengthening Christian faith rather than a continuation of American influence.
Leo XIV's approach to leadership reflects a dedication to continuing the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis. Many observers note his focused advocacy for a “synodal” church structure, one that values input from parishioners rather than merely top-down directives. Though some perceive Leo as quieter and potentially less charismatic than Francis, his alignment with the latter’s priorities could signify a steady continuation of this committed approach to the role of the church in modern society. As the global community anticipates the pope’s direction, enthusiasm remains high among his supporters, particularly those in Peru, who celebrated his election with pride and joy.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who hails from Chicago, is noted not only for his American roots but also for his extensive work with the underprivileged in Peru and his previous high-ranking roles at the Vatican. During a news conference, some cardinals downplayed the significance of his nationality in the cardinal selection process, asserting that discussions regarding his American background were minimal. Cardinal Robert McElroy, the new archbishop of Washington, D.C., referred to these conversations as "almost negligible," while Cardinal Wilton Gregory stressed that the conclave was more about strengthening Christian faith rather than a continuation of American influence.
Leo XIV's approach to leadership reflects a dedication to continuing the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis. Many observers note his focused advocacy for a “synodal” church structure, one that values input from parishioners rather than merely top-down directives. Though some perceive Leo as quieter and potentially less charismatic than Francis, his alignment with the latter’s priorities could signify a steady continuation of this committed approach to the role of the church in modern society. As the global community anticipates the pope’s direction, enthusiasm remains high among his supporters, particularly those in Peru, who celebrated his election with pride and joy.
