Pope Leo XIV outlines vision and early actions

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has begun his papacy, and observers are looking for clues about his leadership style. His first actions, such as wearing a gold cross and embroidered stole, suggest a return to tradition. The Pope's scripted homily in the Sistine Chapel also indicated a more traditional approach. Future events, including an audience with media and an inaugural mass, will provide further insight into his priorities. The Pope's choice of accommodation, either the Apostolic Palace or the simpler Casa Santa Marta guesthouse, will also be significant. As the new Pope settles into his role, fragments of his past life are emerging, including his connections to his native Chicago and adopted Peru.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and a member of the Augustinian order, has outlined his vision for the papacy, vowing to continue the work of his predecessor, Pope Francis. In his first formal audience with the College of Cardinals, Leo identified artificial intelligence as a critical issue facing humanity, posing challenges to human dignity, justice, and labor. He cited Pope Francis' 2013 mission statement, "The Joy of the Gospel," as his guiding principle, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and attentive church that prioritizes the "least and rejected." Leo also referenced his namesake, Pope Leo XIII, who addressed workers' rights and capitalism in the late 19th century, drawing parallels between the industrial revolution and the current AI-driven era. He retained the motto and coat of arms he used as bishop, "In Illo uno unum," reflecting his commitment to unity among Christians.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, delivered his first official address to the College of Cardinals, warning that artificial intelligence (AI) poses new risks to human dignity and calling on the Catholic Church to respond with moral clarity and bold action. He compared the current rapid technological change to the 19th century industrial revolution and said the Church must defend workers and promote justice. The Pope emphasized that people, not profit, must remain at the center of AI development, and urged Catholics to stay grounded in quiet prayer and discernment in a noisy digital world. He also reflected on the recent death of Pope Francis, describing the transition to a new pope as a "paschal event," a kind of spiritual turning point.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV, after four ballots among 133 cardinal electors in a conclave. Despite not being a front-runner initially, Prevost gained support after Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a strong contender, dropped out and endorsed him. Prevost, the first North American to become Pope, was able to draw votes from various groups, including moderate US cardinals, South American cardinals, and European cardinals, due to his diverse background and experience working in Peru and being seen as a team player who could lead a more collegial papacy.

Pope Leo XIV made his first public outing since his election, visiting a sanctuary in Genazzano and praying at the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis. In a earlier address, he emphasized the need for the Catholic Church to address emerging threats to workers, such as artificial intelligence, and highlighted his commitment to the modernizing reforms of Pope Francis, aiming to make the Church more inclusive and attentive to the faithful.