Pope Leo XIV appears to be a bridge-builder. He started with the words: “Peace be with you” perhaps words of assurance both to those on either side of polarized views within the church and a signal of a commitment to continue Pope Francis’s emphasis on peace building. Symbolically he came out onto the balcony dressed like Pope Benedict the XV1 which may signal something of a more traditional leaning than Pope Frances or it may have been a symbolic outreach and assurance to that sector of the church who may be anxious given his support of Pope Francis’s vision of a synodal church.
As someone who holds both experience of the United States, growing up in Chicago, and who has spent a significant amount of time working in Latin America, in Peru he may be able to bridge divide at a time when the world needs this more than ever. A polyglot, fluent in several languages, his use of Italian and Spanish in his opening words seem to signal a pastoral sympathy with the people – he was using the language of the people of Rome and also said a few words in Spanish addressed to the people of his former diocese in Peru. His choice not to use English in this moment may be significant in pushing against any move towards triumphalism over his election by some in the United States.
His taking the name of Leo XIV is likely to indicate an agenda for Social Justice following in the footsteps of Pope Leo XIII who pioneered Catholic Social Teachings with his encyclical Rerum Novarum which put forward the need to consider the rights of workers. He has a background in Canon Law which may mean that he could reform church structures and potentially increase lay involvement. He also comes from an Augustinian background – and was head of the order for some time which is strong in the area of communal discernment and theological depth.
Pope Leo X1V holds mixed views on the role of women in the church. He is open to leadership roles for women within church structures such as dicasteries but is opposed to the ordination of women to the priesthood and the deaconate. He saw the appointment of Sr Simona Brambilla as head of the dicastery on religious life as a positive development which suggests he may open up more such roles to women. He seems to have shared Pope Francis’s views on the ordination of women and his concerns about the dangers of women being “clericalized.” This is very disappointing news for the many women who feel called to ordination at least to the deaconate, as it seems to suggest that he will not be open to moving forward on this issue. However, he is open to continuing along the synodal path of listening which means he is open to continuing a discerning approach.
On the issue of LGBTQI+he appears to be perhaps be more conservative than Pope Francis. He emphasizes compassion and pastoral care but his views align with traditional Catholic teaching. He has been critical of ideas of gender fluidity and gender theory. He raised concerns that Pope Francis’s 2023 document Fiducia Supplicans which allowed blessings for same-sex couples regarding whether it could be applied in contexts which still criminalise homosexuality. He seems to be orthodox and perhaps even somewhat traditional on issues of church teaching, but much like Pope Francis, may be outspoken in his commitment to peace building and social justice which are an urgent need. He upholds traditional church teachings while advocating for compassionate pastoral care of all, irrespective of their sexual orientation.
It seems evident that he is a unity candidate. Someone who will appeal to both conservatives and progressives within the church in different aspects of what he offers and, at the same time, someone who will stir some anxieties on both sides. He is also something of a surprise candidate as he was not one of the main front-runners. We wait to see how this Papacy will unfold and we pray for him in the huge responsibility that lies ahead.
