Pope Leo XIV: A New Pontiff Embraces Tradition While Signaling Continuity

The Catholic world welcomed Pope Leo XIV with open arms on Thursday, as a vast congregation filled St. Peter’s Square, offering an unhindered view of the historic event. Born Robert Francis Prevost, the first American to ascend to the papacy, Pope Leo XIV addressed the public in both Italian and Spanish, conveying a message of unity and hope for a synodal church.

In his initial remarks, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of a missionary church that embraces all individuals, a concept deeply rooted in the teachings of his predecessor, Pope Francis. Dennis Doyle, professor emeritus at the University of Dayton in Ohio, highlighted this connection, noting that Pope Francis’ first major document, "Evangelii gaudium" ("The joy of the gospel"), echoed this theme of inclusivity.

"To all you brothers and sisters of Rome, Italy, of all the world, we want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering," Pope Leo XIV declared in his opening address.

Doyle further explained that Pope Francis was a strong advocate for synodality, a concept emphasizing collaboration and shared decision-making within the Church. Pope Leo XIV’s immediate embrace of this principle signals a continuation of many of Pope Francis’ key initiatives.

Despite signaling continuity with Pope Francis’ vision, Pope Leo XIV also presented himself as a figure steeped in tradition. He donned traditional papal attire, including a red mozzetta and white cassock, a stark contrast to Pope Francis’ relatively unadorned appearance during his first public appearance in 2013.

"He’s signaling he intends to be traditional in some ways," Doyle observed.

Another potential divergence from Pope Francis’ practices lies in the question of residency. While Pope Francis chose to reside at Domus Sanctae Marthae, the accommodation for cardinal electors during conclaves, rather than the official papal apartments at the Apostolic Palace, Pope Leo XIV’s intentions remain uncertain.

"It’ll be interesting to see if he lives in the Apostolic Palace," Doyle commented, suggesting that this decision could further illuminate the new pope’s approach to tradition.

While Pope Leo XIV’s inclusive tone has resonated with many, it has also drawn criticism from some within the "America First" movement, highlighting the divisions that exist within the Catholic community.

Doyle believes that Pope Leo XIV may navigate a path that balances tradition with the more progressive stances adopted by Pope Francis.

Robert Francis Prevost was ordained on June 19, 1982, and has held numerous prominent positions within the Church, including head of the Augustinian Province of Chicago and prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.

The selection of the papal name "Leo" has sparked speculation about which of the previous 13 Popes Leo served as inspiration. Doyle suggests that Leo the Great, the first Pope Leo, and Pope Leo XIII are likely candidates.

"Everybody’s looking first to Leo the XIII," Doyle stated, while cautioning that definitive conclusions cannot be drawn until Pope Leo XIV elaborates on his choice.

Pope Leo XIII is particularly renowned for his landmark encyclical, "Rerum Novarum," which addressed the social and economic challenges of the late 19th century, including the rise of communism and the harsh conditions faced by industrial workers.

"In Latin, Rerum Novarum is an idiom, and it means ‘On Revolutionary Changes,’" Doyle explained. "It’s like an idiom for revolution. Although, a lot of people just translate it literalistically as ‘On New Things.’"

The encyclical condemned socialism, which, according to Doyle, referred to what is now understood as communism, arguing that it contradicted natural law by denying the inherent human right to ownership and property.

Doyle emphasized that Catholic social teaching, as articulated in "Rerum Novarum" and subsequent documents, provides general principles for addressing economic and social issues, allowing for interpretation and application in diverse contexts.

"It starts out with a condemnation of socialism," Doyle noted. "Although, by socialism, he meant what we would only use the word ‘communism’ today. He condemned it as being out of touch with the natural law. Because that natural law would tell us that ownership is something that is kind of natural to human beings; that we’re going to have property, if we make things and so on, that they are ours."

Ultimately, Doyle anticipates that Pope Leo XIV will adopt a balanced approach, integrating elements of tradition with the progressive vision of Pope Francis.

"I think that he’s going to be a very balanced pope," Doyle concluded.

The world watches with anticipation as Pope Leo XIV embarks on his papacy, a period marked by both continuity and the potential for change within the Catholic Church. His emphasis on synodality, his embrace of tradition, and his commitment to addressing the challenges of the modern world suggest a papacy that seeks to bridge divides and foster hope for a brighter future. His actions and pronouncements in the coming months and years will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the Church and its role in the world. The initial signals are a complex blend, leaving room for a variety of interpretations and expectations.