Pope Leo XIV’s first steps signal tradition, humility
When white smoke swirled above the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening, St Peter’s Square erupted in a joyous cacophony of cheers, bells, and prayers.
The election of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th pontiff, marked a historic moment: the first American pope, once Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicagoan with deep ties to Peru.
As he stepped onto the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, his gold cross gleaming against a red mozzetta, the crowd of thousands—pilgrims, tourists, and newlyweds—sensed the dawn of a new era.
With every gesture now under a global microscope, Leo’s first days offer tantalising clues to how he will lead the Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion faithful.
Mere hours after his balcony appearance, Leo returned to the Sant’Uffizio Palace, where he’d resided for two months.
A jubilant crowd of staff and former colleagues greeted him, hands outstretched in congratulation.
A young girl offered a Bible for a blessing. “I’ll need to try my new signature,” Leo chuckled, noting his old identity as Robert Prevost was obsolete.
The warmth of the moment, juxtaposed with his choice of ornate vestments—an embroidered stole and gold cross, unlike Pope Francis’s simple silver pendant—hinted at a pontiff embracing the Church’s rich traditions while retaining a personal touch.
“He’s signalling a blend of grandeur and approachability,” said Austen Ivereigh, a Catholic commentator. “It’s a delicate balance.”
Friday’s first Mass in the Sistine Chapel, transformed from a secretive conclave to a sacred sanctuary, deepened the narrative. Speaking initially in English, Leo thanked the cardinals for entrusting him with “the cross” of leadership, then switched to Italian, urging the priesthood to “make themselves small” and extend “missionary outreach” to the world’s neediest.
The scripted homily, a departure from Francis’s impromptu style, suggested a return to formality, yet its call for humility echoed Francis’s focus on the marginalised. “Leo’s words bridge tradition and compassion,” Ivereigh noted. “He’s not breaking from Francis but refining the tone.”
The speed of Leo’s election, finalized in days, stunned observers, given historical reluctance to choose an American pope amid US geopolitical dominance. His Peruvian citizenship, earned in 2015 after decades of service there, likely assuaged concerns. “He’s the universal father; his birthplace is secondary,” Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York told reporters, rejecting claims Leo was chosen to counter US President Donald Trump, whose policies clashed with Francis.
Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington agreed, emphasising the conclave’s focus on faith, not politics. Yet, Leo’s past critique of restrictive immigration policies suggests he may challenge such stances, aligning with Francis’s advocacy for migrants.
In St Peter’s Square, the mood was electric.
Kerry and Joseph, Chicago honeymooners, clutched newspapers emblazoned with Leo’s image. “An American pope? I’m floored,” Kerry said, delighted by rumours he’s a White Sox fan.
“He must be overwhelmed, barely sleeping,” she added, imagining his whirlwind transition. Joseph saw confidence and humility: “I pray he shows what faith can do.”
Across the globe, Peru rejoiced. A viral video of Leo lamenting leaving Peru’s “joy” and ceviche sparked national pride. “The pope is Peruvian; God loves Peru!” President Dina Boluarte proclaimed.
Key moments loom: a media audience on Monday, an inaugural Mass on May 18 with world leaders, and a public address on May 21.
His choice of residence – Francis’s modest Casa Santa Marta or the grand Apostolic Palace – will speak volumes. “These are defining choices,” Ivereigh said.
Leo’s 2023 stance against ordaining women hints at doctrinal conservatism, but his pastoral warmth, evident in Peruvian photos with handmade birthday cards, suggests inclusivity.
As Cardinal Arthur Roche noted, “Leo’s election reflects a united Church, ready for a pastor who welcomes without alienating.”
For now, the faithful watch, pray, and hope Leo will bridge divides in a fractured world.
Source: BBC, CNN