The white smoke has risen, and a new chapter in the Catholic Church has begun.
Following the death of Pope Francis, the College of Cardinals elected Robert Francis Prevost, who will go by Pope Leo XIV. For his introduction to the world, the newly anointed pontiff greeted the crowd from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with a humble message of unity and peace.
But who is Pope Leo, and what can we expect from his papacy?
Every new pope brings a unique vision to the office, and the world is waiting to learn more about the man who will lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
The selection of his papal name and past public remarks give us insight into the priorities and principles that will define this new era of Catholicism, as well as how he aligns with – and differs from – Pope Francis before him.
Why Leo?
What’s in a name? Well, quite a bit – they’re not exactly pulling names out of a (very large and pointy) hat. Each pope gets to choose their own name, and their choice of name offers an early peek into their values.
So, why Leo? In some of his earliest remarks as pope, Pope Leo XIV explicitly mentioned his admiration for Pope Leo XIII, whose pontificate (1878-1903) is widely remembered for his compassion and support of workers during the Industrial Revolution.
Specifically, Pope Leo XIV stated that Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum Novarum, which is critical of unchecked capitalism and offers support for the rights of workers to form unions, was a major influence on his choice of name. It’s a strong sign that Pope Leo XIV’s papacy will be focused on uplifting the working class.
Where Does Pope Leo Stand on Key Issues?
The Environment
Much like Pope Francis, Pope Leo is a staunch environmentalist and climate change activist. As a cardinal, he urged the church to move “from words to action” on “the climate crisis,” arguing that man’s “dominion over nature” must be a “relationship of reciprocity” and not “tyrannical.”
Pope Leo also offered support for his predecessor’s modernization of the Vatican, including installing solar panels and the use of electric cars.
Refugees and Immigrants
Leo appears to be largely sympathetic towards refugees, immigrants, and migrant communities – which again puts him in alignment with Pope Francis.
The pontiff has in the past been critical of the Trump Administration’s hardline stance on immigration; his most recent repost on X, prior to the papal election, was commentary critical of the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador without due process. He’s also previously made posts critical of Trump’s first term policy of separating migrant families.
LGBTQ+ Rights
Leo is more conservative on LGBTQ+ issues than his predecessor. As a bishop in Peru, Leo opposed plans to teach about gender in school, arguing that the promotion of gender ideology is confusing, because it “seeks to create genders that don’t exist.”
And in 2012, Leo chastised the news media’s “sympathy” for the “homosexual lifestyle,” including “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.”
While he’s been critical of the LGBTQ+ community, Leo has remained silent on Fiducia Supplicans, the 2023 Catholic doctrine which offers support for blessing same-sex unions. Overall, it appears Leo is unquestionably a conservative when it comes to the LGBTQ+ issues, but is restrained and traditional, rather than overtly hostile.
Abortion
Pope Leo is strongly pro-life, and has made numerous social media posts critical of abortion. Expect no major reforms in that department under his purview.
In recent comments, Leo stressed the importance of "striving to ensure respect for the dignity of every person," including "the unborn."
What Does the Future of the Catholic Church Look Like?
In the lead up to the conclave, there was much speculation about what a new pope would mean for the Catholic Church, and in what direction the next pontiff would lead his flock.
Prevost has been in office for less than two weeks, but the available clues give some indication of where we're headed.
Despite his progressive stances on issues like immigration and climate change, the election of Pope Leo marks a return to a more traditional and doctrinally conservative direction for the Catholic Church.
After years of Pope Francis’ pastoral focus on inclusivity and social justice, Pope Leo's ascent signals an emphasis on theological orthodox and a tighter interpretation of Catholic doctrine.
In addition to workers' and immigrants' rights, Leo is expected to prioritize issues such as clerical discipline, bioethical concerns, and defending traditional family values. While carrying on Francis' legacy in some areas, experts say Leo's election also reflects the influence of bishops and cardinals who are eager to reaffirm the Church's teachings in a time of cultural flux.
Every papacy has its surprises, though. And as we get further into his tenure, Pope Leo’s views on key issues will undoubtedly become clearer.
For now, we must wait and see.
28 comments
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Kathryn Diane Taft
I am absolutely taken aback. Virtually every single major religious group in the world is a criminal organization that have been raping women, molesting and kidnapping children, murdered countless innocent people, embezzled millions of dollars from the well, you! Add to that the THOUSANDS OF YEARS of these horrible crimes against humanity being blatantly exposed to the public and it pretty much comes down to YOU! You give them money, are little more than slaves they continuously oppress and use for their evil agendas and STILL you say "lalala, ooh look at the new guy, gee I hope he doesn't hate gay people" and "maybe they'll promote women so they can be just like them"!!! God made us perfect and gave us infinite knowledge and the 'free will ' to do with it as we choose and after millions of years it's still not only acceptable, it's celebrated!!! It sickens me that the ONLY "religion" that seeks to achieve the potential for humanity to be it's best is Buddhism. ONE. Out of how many? Shame on the entire human race. It's my hope that you all realize the truth and experience what real love is because I'm convinced very few people on this planet know it; let alone live it or celebrate it. AND IT'S SO EASY! No rules or books or studying to be a depraved criminal required. With love, Kate Taft
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Steven Ferrell
When I see the Vatican take down the walls and let immigrants move in and they foot the bill for them, then talk to me about the US letting them in with the taxpayers footing the bill.
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John P Maher
ONLY TIME WILL TELL ???
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Lionheart
Presumably, he believes his god is not only real, but the right one to believe in. 🤷
🦁❤️
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Alexander Clarke
As every religion believes. Every faith leader and their followers proclaim that their way (to salvation) is the one and only one. All religions have one goal and that is to control what you think, say, do and separate you from your wealth. Religions of all stripes are big business and should be taxed. Freedom FROM religion is as important as freedom OF religion.
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Bruce Huston
"EVERY faith leaders and their followers"??? Not true. I think you need to get out a little more.
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George Walter Kauffman
With Frankie gone, that is a Bless to Catholicism. Leo ... Bring back the CHRISTANITY !!! Thank You in Advance,
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
Where did the “christianity” go?
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James Mounts
Wokeville.
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Reverend Paula Copp
In case you didn’t know, Jesus was WOKE!
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Kimberly Theresa
Respectfully, Reverend Paula, how was Jesus WOKE?
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Patricia Ann Gross
Shall we start with, "welcome the stranger," and "take care of the poor" and then something totally anti-capitalist like chasing the moneychangers out of the Temple. Jesus did NOT teach a prosperity Gospel, but one of compassion and taking care of others (even before self).
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ServantOfJudgement
Jesus was a self employed carpenter. Godless capitalism more specifically is what Jesus slapped people with a whip for.
He did not condone taking money from this person to give to that person nor allowing strangers to sneak into one's home.
There's more detail to what you said but you are right. There are limits and borders with all things human.
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Bishop William Dusenberry, DD
Until the Roman Catholic Church, and now the Southern Baptists, and consequently almost the entirety of the GOP “believes” (because beliefs can’t be proven) that when God told Moses, that humans should be fruitful and multiply, there were only a dozen or so human beings, back then, but now that we’re closing in on nine billion of us, it’s time for the Pope to ask God, “Has the time come, for a Pope whose studied science, to proclaim, that humankind has multiplied enough, and now it’s a sin, to not use birth control — especially when one can’t even feed, the kids one already has.
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Kathryn Diane Taft
Just the fact that you put the Pope above god and give him the power to dictate what is a sin and what isn't is appalling and so sad to me. There's no such thing as "sin"!! God is perfect is he not? Not according to every single religious group on this planet, with the exception of the Buddhists who actually see God and seek to be like him. If sin exists then God screwed up when he made us and that means there's no such thing as God!!! And I know him very well, he will never try to change you or say you are not worthy; NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, SAY, OR SUPPORT. It's too bad you can't see it for yourself cuz it's amazing, he's beyond amazing. P-E-R-F-E-C-T. Look it up, you obviously don't know the definition of that word.
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Patricia Ann Gross
Kathryn, Bishop Dussenberry didn't give the Pope those powers, the Catholic Church did. It is part of his job, his calling, and his anointment [by God and] the church.
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ServantOfJudgement
You should direct your population concerns to the people and countries you consider over populated. Not the USA, not this forum. Call china and Indian is my advice. Chances are, they'll tell you to use birth control and go have intercourse with yourself.
It makes me nervous when the elite speak about population control. Most humans are impatient and want results now. They get results.
Get your COVID shots everyday....
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Walter J. Holbrook
Wait and let God handle it
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Najah P Tamargo
Najah Tamargo-USA
We shall see what we will shall see!
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Nicholas J Page
As long as he does the job and carries out his promises then he will be O.K.
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Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski
All are welcome, peace & unity are a good start. Lifting the working class & kioski the immigration would be nice. strengthen sanctuary for the immigrant families is needed. Modernize your catholic rise women in bishop status & cardinals etc. Allow gay marriages in your church service & embrace all faiths. & allow your priest to marry. Leo is a strong & majestic name & will reign a long time Good luck Leo...
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Eustress
Amazing an Amerian Pope and an Americn President. What a contrast? Much like the word "god" spelled forward, and "dog" spelled backward, if you get my drift. :) I just published a book titled, " The Story Has a Secret" which is a thrapeutic autobiography. Would not it be great if both the Pope and President could provide such a book?
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ServantOfJudgement
If he's a Climbing Change activist, maybe he can get the geo engineering idiots like Bill Gates to stop messing with my planet. He can go buy Venus and fix that one instead.
It's a bummer that a dumb country boy knows not to mess with light levels hitting the planet while the chumps in white lab coats are too smart to realize such a basic thing. Plants need it for stuff they does I read somewhere. Something about pulling carbon from the air.
Maybe he can convince the very educated and concerned billionaires not to cut a super highway through the Amazon Forest for one Climbing Change conference. I wonder how much carbon they'll put in the air to kill the plants that pull carbon from the air.
Golly, I wonder if they really believe in man made climbing change. They don't act like it but they sure do want the lemmings to huh?
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Thomas Charles Halle
I appreciate your comment about the climate. Generally speaking I support "Green" efforts, but I think that the "Official Narrative" about this...such as labeling carbon as an "enemy" is significantly flawed. As you suggest, C is necessary for O2 production...and is NOT the primary "greenhouse gas," either. Water vapor and meth-ane are better candidates for this role. The climate activists--also--seem unwilling to acknowledge that human manipulation of the environment (e.g., in the form of "chem-trails" and HAARP experimentation), are likely to've played a LARGE part in what APPEARS to have been "abnormal" climate phenomena. I might add that activists--like Greta Thunberg --in their hysterical pronouncements have not been very helpful, in my view.
I'll add that I've heard an argument that the weather in Europe and N. America in the 19th and 20th centuries just happened to've been relatively mild..and that what we're now experiencing may simply represent a return to the what is more typical for the planet. You might recall that the Vikings settled in Greenland and Iceland (around 1000 CE), building homes and farms, but later had to abandon their settlements, and return to the Scandinavian countries, because of severe cooling, which then had prevailed.
I think we ALSO align...with respect to the Brazilian rain-forest. In my "best scenario," there'd be a MAJOR effort to preserve those forests...as they (as some have claimed) may--essentially--comprise the "lungs of the planet." In my view..reservation of these key areas should be a SUPER important mandate for the homo sapiens of "Planet Earth."
Oh, a final thought. Have you ever reflected on how MASSIVE the use of petroleum has been...by the USN and other US military forces...with lots of lunatic military campaigns...and hundreds of American bases around the world? How 'bout getting rid of--say--HALF of those ridiculous bases (of the "American Empire")....and "just saying 'NO' to MOST of these ridiculous military ventures?!!!!
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JaZe
Do Popes really believe in the Bible, etc.? They have access to so much information going back centuries, are they simply carrying on an act to be able to support their areas of concern on a large scale?
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Robert Rohr
There is one redeeming feature. He appears to be a White Sox fan.
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Bishop William Dusenberry, DD
If, and when, the “Last World War” begins, one day, and then ends the day after, the number one cause will be, overpopulation — babies being born into families who have absolutely no apparent ability to care for their babies — and, the # one cause of abortions is, “a lack of access to contraception” — which the Catholic Church, Southern Baptists, and now the GOP, oppose, without any believable justification. To oppose the use of contraception, as humankind’s human population is closing in on ten billion (remember, as recently as 10,000 years ago, there were only two people, Adam and Eve) is a crime against the future of humanity— so until the new Pope, the GOP, and the Southern Baptists— aggressively, end enthusiastically support the use of contraception— everything else they claim to do, to promote peace, tolerance, understanding, love, compassion, brother and sisterly affection for everyone — all are meaningless gestures, without sexually active people having readily, inexpensive access to contraception.
Already dislike his stance on women in the priesthood and his ideas about the LGBTQIA+ community. I will reserve judgement until I see how he behaves. Watch what they do, not what they say…