Pope Leo XIV Commits to Pope Francis’ Vision
VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV announced on Saturday that he plans to carry forward the vision and reforms of the late Pope Francis. Speaking to the world’s Catholic cardinals, he described Francis’ work as a “precious legacy” that the Church must continue.
This was Leo’s first gathering with all cardinals since his election on May 8. He urged the senior clerics to renew their dedication to the Church reforms introduced by the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s. These reforms included celebrating the Mass in local languages instead of Latin and promoting dialogue with other religions.
Leo praised Francis for his broad vision of opening the 1.4-billion-member Church to the modern world. He said Francis left an inspiring example of “complete dedication to service.” The new pope encouraged the cardinals, saying, “Let us take up this precious legacy and continue on the journey.”
Renewing Commitment to Church Reforms
Leo also called on the cardinals to “renew together our complete commitment” to the Council’s reforms. He highlighted Francis’ focus on “courageous and trusting dialogue with the contemporary world in its various components and realities.”
Francis, who served as pope for 12 years, often faced criticism from conservative cardinals. They argued he was softening Church teachings on issues like LGBT inclusion and women’s roles in leadership.
Before becoming pope, Leo was known mostly as US Cardinal Robert Prevost. He spent much of his career as a missionary in Peru and served as a senior Vatican official for the past two years. Leo said he chose his papal name partly to honor Pope Leo XIII, known for advocating social justice and fair treatment of workers during the industrial revolution.
Addressing New Challenges Like Artificial Intelligence
Pope Leo XIV stressed the Church’s role in facing new challenges, especially threats to workers posed by artificial intelligence. He said AI raises “new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor.”
Later on Saturday, Leo made a surprise visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, east of Rome. Crowds cheered as he greeted and blessed several people before entering the shrine.
Engaging Cardinals with Open Dialogue
Leo’s two-hour meeting with the cardinals was different from past popes’ gatherings. Instead of just delivering a speech, he invited cardinals to share their views and concerns about key Church issues. This open format encouraged active discussion.
Irish Cardinal Sean Brady said Leo listened carefully but acknowledged he must make the final decisions. “But we’re here to help him,” Brady added. Spanish Cardinal Aquilino Bocos Merino described the meeting as “very cordial and communal.”
Discussion on China and Church Relations
One important topic was the situation of Catholics in communist China. The Vatican’s 2018 deal with China gave Beijing some say in appointing bishops, a move criticized by conservatives as a compromise.
However, Czech Cardinal Dominik Duka compared the dialogue with China to the Vatican’s communication with Eastern European countries during the Cold War, calling it necessary to keep channels open where the Church faces oppression.
German Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, who previously clashed with Francis on moral teachings, described the encounter as “very good and harmonious.”
Leo’s Election and Support Among Cardinals
To become pope during the May 7-8 conclave, Leo needed a two-thirds majority out of 133 voting cardinals. Madagascar Cardinal Désiré Tsarahazana revealed that Leo received over 100 votes in the final round on May 8, showing strong support.
Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to continue Pope Francis’ legacy marks a hopeful path for the Church as it faces modern challenges while respecting its traditions.