I was meeting with our managing directors on May 8th when Johan Van Parys received an alert that there was white smoke at the Vatican. Shortly after, I received a text from a friend – white smoke! Our staff had a watch party set up in Cowley Hall but I needed to watch on my own – I tend to sequester myself on great occasions like these – e.g. I watched the second half of Green Bay Packers last Super Bowl victory by myself. Thankfully, we had recently set up a TV with local channels in the suite above my office. I tuned to CBS and, with the world, was glued to the television. Earlier, when I had heard that the new pope was elected on the fourth ballot, I said to staff colleagues, “it’s either Parolin or Prevost” – a lucky guess on my part.
Nobody does drama better than the Catholic Church – our Pope Reveal with thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square and millions tuning in from around the globe cannot be beat for high drama. Apparently the cameras of CBS were trained on the chimney where the smoke was soon to billow as there was a group of seagulls perched close to the chimney, including a baby seagull. After the white smoke, there is what feels like an eternity until the world knows who the new pope is. When the French cardinal emerged on the balcony to announce Habemus Papam, I listened quite intently to the words that came next – when I heard what I thought was Prevost, I couldn’t believe it. The journalists on the CBS broadcast were stunned – as the conventional wisdom had been coalescing around the belief that the next pope would be Italian. They repeated in disbelief – an American pope? I had Cardinal Prevost very high on my papal wish list and was overjoyed! Below I outline four reasons why I believe Pope Leo XIV is a source of great hope for the Catholic Church and the world.
First, Pope Leo spoke to the cardinals the Saturday after he was elected and conveyed that one of the reasons he chose the name he did was because, like Leo XIII, he would apply the wisdom of Catholic social teaching (CST) to some of the most pressing issues of the day – including AI which he signaled as of pressing concern. More on his choice of name below. Let’s stay on the topic of AI for a moment – if one were to ask AI what is the ideal background for someone who could ably shepherd the Catholic Church, I dare say AI would come up with a resume very close to Pope Leo’s. This is the first thing that is so impressive about our new pope – his diverse background, including his ethnic background and the multiple languages in which he is proficient. The American cardinals seemed truly united in their support of Pope Leo, calling him a “citizen of the world.” They seemed to downplay his American heritage – understandably – and focused on the fact that he has spent considerable time on three continents. I would also note his diverse ministerial experience as a missionary, a provincial, global head of the Augustinian order, bishop in Peru, and recently as Prefect for the Dicastery of Bishops. In short, our new pope has seen and done it all.
Second, Pope Leo signaled to the cardinals after his election that he intends to continue the reforms of Pope Francis – both the reform of the Second Vatican Council and also Francis’s particular work toward a more open and inclusive Catholic Church. He will do this, of course, in his own style. In his first remarks upon his election, Pope Leo pointed to Bernini’s colonnade of St. Peter’s Square, which was designed to embrace everyone. It was under Cardinal Prevost’s leadership that the Dicastery for Bishops included three women it its work of selecting new bishops, including Sr. Raffaella Petrini, a friend of The Basilica. The new pope also supports the continuation of a synodal path for the Church and has been described by many as a wonderful listener. In his social media communications before he was elected pope, it is clear that Pope Leo, like Francis, has a special concern for those on the margins – immigrants, and those affected by environmental degradation and racial injustice.
Third, from all media reports and those who have worked with Prevost for years, it appears that he is a thoroughgoing moderate. Indeed, in his opening remarks on the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica he referenced the need for bridge building. Apparently, the cardinals stressed in their time together, before the conclave, that the Church needed a bridge builder in the next pope. Given Leo’s biography, this seems to be in keeping with his natural gifts and temperament. I am more inclined to notice what the new pope says rather than his attire. However, many commentators noted that Leo was clad with the crimson shoulder covering that is traditional for popes to wear – something that Francis went without. Perhaps this was a an attempt to bridge to the more traditional wing of the Church. Pope Leo also stated before his election that a synodal approach to the Church can help overcome the pernicious polarization that afflicts both Church and society.
Lastly, and very near to my heart, the choosing of the name Pope Leo XIV signals an emphasis on Catholic social teaching for our new pope. Leo XIII is considered the father of modern Catholic social teaching and ushered in more than a century of compelling social doctrine in response to changing social conditions and the quest to build a more just and humane social order. CST is one of the great gifts of the Catholic Church but is largely unknown among Catholics, often referred to as the Church’s best kept secret. I am hopeful that Pope Leo will be intent on changing this reality. Please join me in praying for Pope Leo XIV as he begins his service to the Catholic Church and the world – may his ministry as successor to Peter bear much fruit – to the glory of God!