Habemus Papam! A Promising Outlook for Pope Leo XIV

Gabrielle Apisa '27

On May 8, 2025, white smoke gushed forth from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the very beginning of Leo XIV’s papacy. As Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced the good news, mobs of people rejoiced in cheer, roaring above the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica. Standing before the people of the Roman Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost acclaimed, “Peace be with all of you!,” marking his very first words as the 267th Bishop of Rome.

In light of the unfortunate death of Pope Francis, who led a 12-year papacy on the basis of humility, unity, and an unwavering hand for the poor, the conclave of cardinals met on Wednesday, May 7th. Taking just four ballots to elect him—one less than was needed to elect Pope Francis—Pope Leo XIV was easily among the most hastily-elected popes in Roman Catholic history. So, what made him—and continues to make him—such an appealing candidate?

With American-grown roots in the industrious city of Chicago (the first to ever enter papacy!), Pope Leo XIV was brought up by the Augistinian order of priests, serving at its head for 12 years starting in 2001. As addressed in his first words to the people of the Church, Leo is a “son of St. Augustine,” a devout follower of Christ hoping to lead a “walk…towards that homeland that God has prepared for us.”

In these short weeks, his words have brought forth a new air of peacemaking, a “conciliatory spirit” (Britanicca) that seems to be largely inspired by his predecessor—the man whose name he has taken up—Pope Leo XIII. If this is so, we, the people of the Church, can expect a leader of progress, one that is willing to apply his own faith to the modern road of social justice.

In fact, such action has already been taken! Formally addressing the College of Cardinals, Pope Leo XIV requested that all members renew their commitment to the mission of the Second Vatican Council, whose constitutions, declarations, and decrees worked to promote the Church’s source of dignity in an ever-modernizing world. Now targeting Artificial Intelligence, which, as he claims, poses “new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor,” Pope Leo XIV seeks to apply and build upon the social teachings of Vatican II principles.

As a man of modesty, a “humble servant of God,” Pope Leo XIV has set himself up for a papacy of triumph in the name of our Holy Father!