In his first meeting with cardinals on Saturday (May 10), Pope Leo XIV shared the inspiration behind his papal name. Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo chose his name to honor Pope Leo XIII, who addressed social issues during the Industrial Revolution. The new pontiff aims to continue this legacy by focusing on modern challenges like artificial intelligence, which he sees as a threat to human dignity and labor.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized his commitment to building on the reforms of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and urged the cardinals to uphold the values of the Second Vatican Council, which modernized church practices in the 1960s. He called for a church guided by a missionary focus, collegiality, and care for the marginalized.
During the meeting, which began with a standing ovation, Pope Leo expressed gratitude for the support of the cardinals, acknowledging the weight of his new role. He thanked key figures like Dean of the College of Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re and Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell for their assistance during the papal transition.
After the meeting, Pope Leo visited the Madonna del Buon Consiglio sanctuary in Genazzano, significant to him as a former leader of the Augustinian order and for its connection to Leo XIII. The pope plans to greet crowds from St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, with his installation Mass scheduled for Sunday (May 18).
Recent Comments