Pope Leo XIV is set to lead the Regina Coeli prayer from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, marking his second official public appearance since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church. The prayer, scheduled for noon, is expected to draw thousands of people eager to catch a glimpse of the modest pontiff.
Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV spent much of his life as a missionary in Peru before being chosen as the 267th pope at a secret conclave. In his address to cardinals, the 69-year-old Pope Leo described himself as a “humble servant of God… and nothing more than this” and an “unworthy successor” to St Peter.
Continuing the Legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Leo XIV emphasized his commitment to continuing the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. He highlighted Pope Francis’s “example of complete dedication to service and to sober simplicity of life” as a guiding principle for his papacy. On Saturday, Pope Leo XIV prayed before Pope Francis’s tomb inside Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, a favorite of the late pope.
Commitment to the Poor and Disadvantaged
Cardinals describe Pope Leo XIV as being in the mold of Pope Francis, with a strong commitment to the poor and disadvantaged. As an Augustinian and former missionary, he believes the Church is dedicated to “the missionary conversion of the entire Christian community”. His focus on Catholics in far-flung areas of the Church away from Rome reflects his dedication to serving the marginalized.
Personal Style and Approach
Pope Leo XIV’s personal style is described as less direct than Pope Francis, who was known for his progressive views and ability to shake up the Church. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the conservative archbishop of New York, praised Pope Leo XIV as “a man of deep faith, rooted in prayer and capable of listening”. Dolan added, “This is what gives us hope; not a political programme or a communicative strategy but the concrete testimony of the Gospel”.
A Message of Peace
In his first appearance at the balcony of St Peter’s, Pope Leo XIV wished peace to “all the people, wherever they are.. to the whole Earth”. This message reflects his commitment to promoting unity and peace globally. As the first US-born pope and the second from the Americas, Pope Leo XIV’s papacy is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Catholic Church.