Vatican Assembly Greets Leo XIV as the Catholic Church’s Recent Pontiff | Religious Headlines

In Vatican City, there was an air of unity as a single voice echoed through St Peter’s Square: “Leone! Leone! Leone!” Thousands united in St Peter’s Square to chant the name Robert Prevost had chosen upon his elevation to the papacy on Thursday as Leo XIV. This followed the release of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating the conclave of cardinals had selected a new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The crowd eagerly awaited Pope Leo’s first message to set the tone for his papacy. Appearing on St Peter’s Basilica’s central balcony, he greeted the faithful with “Peace be upon you.” Echoing his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo XIV stated, “God loves us, God loves everyone, and evil will not prevail. We are in the hands of God.” This moment was closely watched, with red-hatted cardinals peeking out to see their new pontiff. Elected on the second day of the conclave, Leo XIV’s initial address signaled a continuity with Francis, but experts predict he will balance Francis’s inclusive agenda with Vatican tradition. “Peace” was a recurrent theme in his speech, advocating for dialogue and unity. The global reaction was filled with excitement and hope for the leadership of Pope Leo XIV. His background as a bishop in Peru and his commitment to addressing poverty indicate a continuation of Francis’s legacy. Vatican expert Phil Pullella noted that Leo XIV’s attire also showed he would be his own man, incorporating traditional garments while gaining support from conservative blocs. This election was the most international in Vatican history, with cardinals from over 70 countries and diverse views. Leo XIV’s choice of name, referring to Pope Leo XIII, who championed Catholic social doctrine, is significant. This choice hints at a return to a global Catholicism and a call to address contemporary challenges like artificial intelligence. Also, by not emphasizing his ties with the USA, Leo XIV signaled his intention not to be owned by any one nation. The Vatican under Leo XIV is expected to handle global leaders like Donald Trump with subtlety and wisdom.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/9/leone-vatican-crowds-hail-leo-xiv-as-new-pope-of-the-catholic-church?traffic_source=rss