Pope Leo XIV's Early Papacy Emphasizes Peace and Reform

Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected pontiff, held his first "Regina Caeli" prayer at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, delivering the message in Latin to around 150,000 attendees. He appealed for "no more war" and called for an "authentic and lasting" peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of hostages held by Hamas. The pope also welcomed young Catholics to consider vocations, saying "Do not be afraid! Welcome the Church's invitation and that of Christ the Lord!" and expressed gratitude for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, praying for the "miracle of peace."

Pope Leo XIV appealed for "no more war" in his first Sunday address at the Vatican, calling for a "lasting peace" in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and welcoming a recent agreement to end hostilities between India and Pakistan. He expressed being "deeply hurt" by events in Gaza and hoped for a "lasting accord" between India and Pakistan. The Pope also recited the Regina Caeli prayer and echoed his predecessor Francis in calling for peace, stating that the world is facing a "third world war in pieces."

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and a member of the Augustinian order, outlined his vision for the papacy, vowing to continue the work of late Pope Francis. He identified artificial intelligence as a critical issue facing humanity, posing challenges to human dignity, justice, and labor. Leo committed to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council and to making the Catholic Church more inclusive and attentive to the faithful. He retained the motto and coat of arms he had as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, which references St. Augustine's sermon on unity among Christians. Leo's remarks echoed Francis' concerns about AI, including the need for an international treaty to regulate its development and use, and the importance of keeping AI "human-centric." The new pope also emphasized the need for the church to express "loving care for the least and rejected" and engage in dialogue with the contemporary world.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, has begun his papacy, marking a significant moment for the Catholic Church as its first American pope. At his first Mass, he called for peace in ongoing conflicts and wished Catholics a Happy Mother's Day. Prevost, a former math major and tennis enthusiast, was unexpectedly elected by 133 cardinals in a two-day conclave. He has vowed to build bridges and reach out to those on the margins, continuing the ideals of his predecessor, Pope Francis. The new pope has identified artificial intelligence as a major threat and plans to be a voice on global issues. His election was seen as a surprise, but papal biographer Austen Ivereigh had predicted it, citing Prevost's unique blend of evangelism, statesmanship, and governance skills. The conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV was notable for its relatively quick decision, unlike the first conclave in 1268, which took nearly three years to elect a pope.

Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected Pope and first American to hold the position, addressed the College of Cardinals, warning that artificial intelligence poses serious risks to human dignity and calling on the Catholic Church to respond with moral clarity and bold action. He compared the current rapid AI technological change to the 19th century industrial revolution and emphasized that people, not profit, must remain at the center. The Pope also urged Catholics to stay grounded in quiet prayer and discernment in a noisy digital world and encouraged more listening, dialogue, and care for the poor, while reaffirming the Church's commitment to the path laid out by the Second Vatican Council.

Pope Leo XIV, the first North American pope, has drawn similarities to Pope Francis' papacy with his mention of a "synodal church" in his first address, sparking speculation about his potential direction. Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, emphasized the importance of building bridges and fostering hope, echoing Pope Francis' focus on synodality. While signaling continuity with Francis' papacy, Pope Leo XIV also preserved traditional elements, such as wearing a red mozzetta and white cassock, indicating a potential balance between progressive and traditional approaches. Experts, including Dennis Doyle, professor emeritus at the University of Dayton, believe Pope Leo XIV may continue some of Francis' initiatives while being "traditional in some ways."