The rapid selection of Pope Leo XIV to succeed the late Pope Francis, on just the second day of the Vatican conclave, speaks to the consensus behind the choice as the Catholic Church’s 267th pontiff of the man born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago.
In taking the name Leo XIV, the pope aligned himself with the last Leo -- Pope Leo XIII, the pontiff from 1878 to 1903 who championed workers’ rights and social justice — and signaled he would not be far from the mold of Francis in his concern for the least among us. Like Francis, the first Jesuit to become pope, the first from Latin America and the first pope since the 8th century to be born and reared outside Europe, Pope Leo XIV also represents a number of firsts: The first pope from the Order of St. Augustine; the first pope to be born in North America; and the first to be a citizen of Peru, where he did missionary work for many years. If genealogists are right, he also is likely the first pope of Black Creole descent. Not to overlook that he’s also a White Sox fan.
So what can we expect from Pope Leo XIV, and what do we hope he will bring to his papacy? The Editorial Board Roundtable offers its thoughts.
Leila Atassi, manager public interest and advocacy:
With 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, my hope is that Pope Leo XIV embodies the very best of our shared humanity — compassion, justice, humility and care for the most vulnerable. In a world fractured by war, inequality and distrust, those traits are essential in a spiritual leader. May he lead with courage, conscience and an unwavering commitment to human dignity.
Thomas Suddes, editorial writer:
Till Leo XIV picks those who’ll help him, most predictions are premature. But he’s the first pope since medieval times to have ministered in the Third World. Reuters reports rural Peru’s poverty rate “reached as much as 40%” last year; 2023’s U.S. national rate, the Census says, was 11.1%. Leo will see life through the eyes of the world’s poor, not the eyes of Euro-Americans.
Ted Diadiun, columnist:
Having stepped away from my Roman Catholic roots decades ago, I don’t have the emotional connection to the pope that I once did … but he seems a good and honorable man who will represent the United States and lead the church in positive ways. And I wish him well in separating his papacy from the Billy Carter-ish brother he appears to have who’s been holding forth on social media.
Eric Foster, columnist:
My initial hope was for Pope Leo to make clear when politicians misinterpret/misuse biblical teachings for political agendas. However, an interesting fact: When it comes to specific policy issues, U.S. Catholics are often more aligned with their political party than with the teachings of their church. That said, I simply hope that he uses his platform for the betterment of all people without qualification.
Lisa Garvin, editorial board member:
I’m not religious, but I do understand the power of the Pope. Leo XIV has certainly led an exemplary and humble life of service, and seems attuned to the modern challenges of Catholicism. My hope is that he will serve as a constant reminder of the duty to help others, especially marginalized populations, instead of using faith as a weapon to discriminate.
Mary Cay Doherty, editorial board member:
As a pragmatic American Catholic, Pope Leo XIV needs to unify the Catholic Church by wholeheartedly affirming and upholding her divinely inspired doctrines, teachings, and traditions. Pope Francis’ refusal to do so created moral confusion that raised the spectre of another major schism. The Church is in this world but not of it, and she should not bend to the secular world’s social mores.
Elizabeth Sullivan, opinion director:
More than anything, and perhaps it’s because I have a cousin who started out as a Benedictine monk ministering to others, including in Latin America, before becoming a priest, and who now basically runs his abbey, I find it heartwarming that the pope started his journey in religious life as a friar also ministering to others. To do ground-level work among those in need is a legacy that surely endures and enriches all that comes later.
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