New Pope Leo XIV relies on bridge building and social justice!

New Pope Leo XIV relies on bridge building and social justice!

On May 11, 2025, Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost) appeared as the new Pope after the conclave and took the lead of the Catholic Church. During his first non-liturgical appearance, he spoke about the future of the church and paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that Francis died at 7:35 a.m. and Cardinal Kevin Farrell emphasized that he had dedicated his life to the service of the Lord and his church. King Charles and Camilla commented on his death in a statement and remembered her encounters with him, the eleven days before his death.

Pope Leo XIV. Francis paid tribute to his "simple dedication and essential lifestyle". He emphasized the hope that grows from faith and the need to preserve the "precious inheritance" of the late Pope. The important principles that he would like to implement include synodality, missionary reversal, collegiality and care. His speech indicated that the pastoral orientation of Francis continued and expanded by ethical questions of digital modernity.

background and challenges

Leo XIV. Speeches openly about the challenges of the Peter Office and emphasized the significant support from the Cardinal College, namely Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell. The choice of the name "Leo" is a tribute to Pope Leo XIII, who with his encyclical "Rerum Novarum" redefined the social teaching of the Church. Since its publication in 1891, this has had a major impact on the church's social policy commitment and became the basis for the introduction of the subject "Catholic social teaching".

played on the current challenges, sees Leo XIV. Parallels between the first industrial revolution and the current revolution of artificial intelligence. It emphasizes how important the social teaching of the church is to provide orientation in terms of technological developments, human dignity and just wages. This topic is increased in particular by the current erosion of the Catholic milieus and the changes in the political practice of Catholic Christians.

a modern pontificate

Pope Leo XIV. He wants to respect the diversity of the members of the Church and take into account the sense of faith of the people of God. He positions himself as a bridge builder between tradition and future to shape a modern Catholic church.

Despite his ambitions, his pontificate is overshadowed by allegations from the past. These challenges could influence the direction of his pontificate. Despite all the difficulties, he is determined to pursue the principles of the service and justice that his predecessors have established.