How would you follow the legacy of the charismatic, equitable, and influential Pope Francis?
That was the question posed to the conclave following Pope Francis’ death on Apr 21, 2025
Pope Francis left a notable imprint on the Catholic church as he led with the question, “Who am I to judge?”. He is credited with providing blessings to same-sex couples, combating the use of nuclear weapons, and working to increase the roles of women within the church. Following a legacy like Francis’ is not an easy challenge, but many throughout the world see Pope Leo XIV ready to fill his shoes.
On May 8, 2025, at 1:22 PM (Vatican City time), the Sistine Chapel blew white smoke symbolizing the historic selection of the first American Pope. Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, Illinois, and spent his childhood with his two older brothers. As children, he and his brothers would often reenact the Mass in their home, while he aspired to be a priest. Following his ordination as a priest, he took on missionary work in Peru and in 2015 became the Bishop of Chiclayo. Pope Francis was a supporter of Pope Leo XIV and raised him to the position of cardinal-deacon in 2023. He was a prominent member of the church in Rome as he was appointed to the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State, or the head government body in the Vatican.
Pope Leo chose his name to show his concern for the world’s shift into a digital age, as the last Pope Leo (XIII) worked to shift to a modern church for his time, as well as push back against labor rights. His name is a direct reflection of the cultural and social impact he aspires to make on not only the church but the environment of our current world.
Pope Leo aligns with the Catholic church on views of abortion, the death penalty, and euthanasia, opposing them in what would be considered a modern “pro-life” stance. During his reign as Pope, he wants to raise concern and create action against climate change, which Pope Francis instigated in Laudato si’ or his 2015 encyclical on climate change. He is anti-war and has pushed for a cease-fire in both Ukraine and Gaza, stating that they are both unjust and inadequate uses of power. His stance on immigration throughout his priesthood and now in his papacy is against harsh immigration policies and supportive of the freedom of immigrants, as he is known for criticising the current U.S immigration laws. Pope Leo has reservations against Fiducia supplicans, and stated that bishops should “interpret and apply such directives in their local contexts, given cultural differences” when blessing same-sex couples.
Having the first American Pope came as a shock to the majority of the Catholic population, as many never expected to see an American Pope in their lifetimes, if ever. Pope Leo, being from America, has the opportunity to create major positive political shifts throughout the world and the U.S. His papacy is historic, and there is great hope for the future of the Catholic church under his papacy.
