With Pope Francis’s recent passing, the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State for the last 12 years, a new spiritual leader was chosen earlier this May.
Robert Francis Prevost, who chose the name Pope Leo XIV, was elected on May 8. His election made history as he is the first pope from the United States and from the Augustinian order.
His Background
The 69-year-old was born in Chicago and is of French, Italian and Spanish descent. Although born and educated in the United States– studying mathematics at Villanova University in Pennsylvania– Pope Leo XIV has spent much of his life in Peru. He served in Peru for two decades, taking on different roles as pastor, seminary teacher, and Bishop of Chiclayo. In 2023, he was declared a cardinal by Pope Francis and played a major role in managing global bishops.
His Opinions on Major Issues
Similar to his predecessor, in his role as a cardinal, Pope Leo XIV focused on issues such as climate change and was committed to disparate groups such as the lower class and migrants. However, when looking at past public comments, Pope Leo XIV is considered more of a centrist (someone who has moderate political views) than Pope Francis, who gained popularity for his progressive views. The selection of the name Leo is a statement in itself. Past Popes with the name have had repeated commitment to social issues, and the current Pope seems likely to focus on social justice and marginalized groups in his papacy as well.
Climate Change
Pope Leo XIV has been outspoken about the growing need to act against climate change. As a cardinal, he raised concerns about the risks of unchecked technological developments and praised Pope Francis for implementing eco-friendly measures, such as solar panels and electric vehicles. His commitment to environmental issues is likely to remain a central theme of his papacy.
Migrants
Pope Leo XIV spent much of his ministry in Peru, a country that hosts large numbers of refugees, particularly Venezuelans fleeing economic crisis. As a result of his upbringing, Pope Leo XIV has shown a deep concern for migrants. His own background as the descendant of immigrants, along with decades spent in Peru, adds further resonance to his commitment to aiding the vulnerable seeking care in other countries.
Women’s Rights
Pope Leo XIV opposes the idea of ordaining women deacons, meaning he will not support the appointment of women to positions of sacramental authority such as deacons, priests, or bishops. This is the same viewpoint that Pope Francis held. However, Leo has endorsed efforts begun by Pope Francis to expand women’s participation in non-ordained roles within the Vatican.
LGBTQ+ Catholics
Pope Leo XIV’s views on LGBTQ+ Catholics appear more conservative than those of Pope Francis, who gained worldwide attention for his acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. In a 2012 address, he criticized Western promotion of and sympathy for abortions, homosexuals, and “alternative families” (families that stray from the norm of wife, husband, and biological children). As Bishop of Chiclayo, he also opposed the addition of gender-focused curriculum in schools, affirming a traditional view that God created only male and female.
Reflecting on Pope Francis
The death of Pope Francis marked a profound loss not only for Catholics but for people of many faiths around the world. His inclusion, humility, and compassion earned admiration from millions, particularly among youth. Gen Z’s appreciation for their generation’s Pope can be seen in the outpouring of social media posts following his passing.
Pope Francis’s endorsement of same-sex couples in 2020 was a ground-breaking moment in Catholic history. His claim that homosexuality wasn’t a crime and his emphasis on accepting and welcoming LGBTQ+ people helped shift the narrative in the Church. He was particularly famous for his quote, “Who am I to judge?” and was a symbol of his compassion for marginalized groups.
What’s to Come?
Pope Leo XIV steps into a role shaped by the powerful legacy of Pope Francis. As the first American pope and with his global background, he brings a unique viewpoint to the papacy.
His positions on climate change and social justice, similar to those of Pope Francis, suggest there will be a continued commitment to these issues by the Church. However, his more conservative views on equality for women and inclusion of LGBTQ+ mark a return to traditional Catholic beliefs that cause controversy.
Only time will tell what type of legacy Pope Leo XIV will leave. Yet, if Pope Francis is any indication, the new pope will have a lasting impact on not only the Church but on the world.