Three massive clues about new Pope Leo XIV’s papacy in opening speech | EUROtoday

In his inaugural look on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV supplied the world a glimpse into his doubtless priorities as chief of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church.

Leo, previously US Cardinal Robert Prevost, turns into the primary pope from the United States, whereas additionally holding Peruvian citizenship.

His a long time of missionary work in Peru preceded his elevation to cardinal and succeeded Pope Francis, who died final month.

The new pontiff’s selection of identify, typically a big indicator of a pope’s intentions, supplies the primary clue.

Recalling Pope Francis’s adoption of his identify from the Thirteenth-century St. Francis of Assisi, champion of the poor, Leo XIV’s choice evokes the legacy of Leo XIII.

The latter, who led the Church from 1878 to 1903, notably championed staff’ rights, advocating for honest wages, first rate working situations, and the proper to unionise.

“By picking the name Leo XIV, he shows he is committed to the social teaching of the church,” stated Rev. Thomas Reese, a Jesuit commentator who follows the papacy carefully.

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Leo’s second clue was his selection of language and the phrases he spoke, which put a transparent emphasis on the necessity for peace, one thing Francis additionally typically targeted on.

None of his speech to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square was in English, however quite Italian, the language of the papacy, and a quick foray into Spanish to greet his former group in Peru. He didn’t point out the U.S.

“La pace sia con tutti voi!” (Peace be with you!), Leo’s first phrases in public, echoed those Catholics use of their celebrations but in addition supplied a direct message of peace in a world riven with battle.

Before heading into the key conclave on May 7, the world’s cardinals issued a press release lamenting the conflicts “in Ukraine, the Middle East, and many other parts of the world” and making a “heartfelt appeal” for peace.

The new pope stated he needed to share God’s peace, calling it “a disarmed peace and a disarming peace” that’s “humble and persevering.”

Leo additionally talked about Francis, who supplied his final blessing to crowds in Rome on Easter Sunday, the day earlier than he died of a stroke after battling double pneumonia for weeks.

“We still have in our ears that weak, but always courageous voice of Pope Francis,” he stated.

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Leo requested permission to supply the identical blessing Francis used only a few weeks in the past, saying: “God loves us, God loves everyone, and evil will not prevail. We are in the hands of God.”

Leo’s third clue was in his selection of apparel.

Unlike Francis, who spurned all the trimmings of the papacy together with on the primary day he was elected in 2013, Leo wore a conventional pink papal garment over his white cassock.

Although Leo follows within the custom of Francis, he signalled he’s a brand new, and completely different, pope.