The early days of Pope Leo XIV as the head of the Catholic Church have sparked intense scrutiny, with every detail scrutinized for hints about his leadership style. After greeting crowds from the balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo returned to the Sant’Uffizio Palace, where he was met with jubilation from staff and former colleagues. When a young girl handed him a Bible to bless and sign, he smiled, saying, “Of course, though I have to try out my new signature… The old one is of no use anymore.”
A Departure from Simplicity?
The Pope’s attire has been a subject of interest, with his gold cross and embroidered stole seen as a departure from the simplicity of his predecessor’s silver pendant. According to Austen Ivereigh, a Catholic writer and commentator, the fact that Pope Leo’s homily was scripted rather than improvised suggests he “will be more closely aligned to tradition than Francis was”.
Upcoming Events to Watch
Several upcoming events will provide further insight into Pope Leo’s priorities:
- Audience with the Media: On Monday, Pope Leo will hold an audience with the media, offering a glimpse into his communication style.
- Inaugural Mass: On May 18, he will celebrate a solemn inaugural mass in St Peter’s Square, delivering a homily in the presence of heads of state and dignitaries.
The Pope’s Choice of Accommodation
Pope Leo’s residence may also reveal his leadership style. Unlike Pope Francis, who chose the simple Casa Santa Marta guesthouse, Pope Leo might opt for the grand Apostolic Palace, following the footsteps of most of his predecessors. Vatican sources say, “He was elected less than a day ago; let’s give him time to decide.”
Reactions from Around the World
As news of Pope Leo’s election spreads, reactions pour in from globally:
- Peruvian President: Dina Boluarte said, “The pope is Peruvian; God loves Peru.”
- American Tourists: Chicagoan Kerry, on her honeymoon in Rome, expressed surprise at the new Pope’s nationality but was pleased to hear he’s a fan of the White Sox baseball team.
- Bishop’s Welcome: The Roman Catholic Bishop of Salford, Rt Rev John Arnold, welcomed the election of the first Pope from the United States, saying he “can see Pope Leo XIV coming to the UK”.
Pope Leo’s Background
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru and was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023. His choice of papal name, Leo XIV, is inspired by Pope Leo XIII, who modernized the papacy. As Pope Leo XIV puts it, he sees the current moment as a time for “cultural shifts” within the church because of artificial intelligence and robotics.