Chicago-native Cardinal Robert Prevost was announced as the new Pope on May 8, following Pope Francis’ death on April 21. The 69-year-old took the papal name Leo XIV. Since then, Catholics from around the world have their eyes on him, as they wonder what changes he would bring to the Church. The followers of Christianity are also drawing comparisons between him and his predecessor, Pope Francis.
While it is yet to be seen what revolutionary changes he brings to the Catholic Church, it is already evident that his personality and priorities differ from Pope Francis in many ways. It’s only been a few days since he took over his new role, but it won’t be wrong to say that he isn’t here to be Francis 2.0.
In his first public statement, Pope Leo XIV called for unity. He said, “We have to be a church that works together to build bridges and to keep our arms open, like this very piazza, welcoming.”
View this post on Instagram
Pope Leo, who is described as a bridgebuilder, appears to be a man deeply rooted in the traditions of the Church, comfortably drawing upon the teachings of the Church Fathers and popes across the centuries. On the other hand, Pope Francis was known to move away from tradition and doctrinal clarity. His time as Pope reflected a vision for the Church shaped in the 1970s, one that mostly rejected the approaches of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
Pope Leo also vastly differs from Pope Francis when it comes to several important issues that affect the commoners. Francis was known to be progressive in his thoughts and actions. From defending immigrants’ rights to allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, Francis was the Pope of the modern world.
Francis said, “Who am I to judge?” as he took a stand for the LGBTQ+ community. However, Pope Leo doesn’t seem to be following in his footsteps. Many years ago, Leo said that “homosexual lifestyle” was at “odds with the gospel”. He even opposed government’s plan to introduce gender education in schools. He told local media, “The promotion of gender ideology is confusing, because it seeks to create genders that don’t exist.”
Francis had an outgoing personality. Until his last breath, he was seen blessing babies and engaging with crowds. However, the new Pope is reportedly more reserved. Rev. Michele Falcone told The New York Times, “He (Pope Leo) does not have excesses. Blessing babies, yes. Taking them in his arms, no.”
View this post on Instagram
While you’ll see him interacting with the crowds, he would probably be more cautious and measured. Even the communication styles of both are said to be very different. Rev. Moral Antón told that while Francis often spoke his mind, Leo generally holds himself back a bit.
Meanwhile, when it comes to discussions around women serving in leadership roles in the Catholic Church, Leo is known to have a progressive approach. Francis, during his time as the Pope, made tangible efforts to increase participation of women in the Vatican and at Church. He appointed several women to prominent leadership roles and tasked Leo to oversee his most revolutionary reform, i.e., adding three women to the office to help select bishops.
Welcoming the move, Leo said in a chat with Vatican News: “Their opinion introduces another perspective and becomes an important contribution to the process.”
“There is a real, genuine, and meaningful participation that they offer at our meetings when we discuss the dossiers of candidates,” he added.
The two share similar thoughts on climate change. In the past, Leo praised Pope Francis’ steps such as installation of solar panels and shift to electric vehicles while warning against the harmful effects of technological development.
Pope Francis openly advocated for the rights of migrants and refugees. He said that he was a descendant of immigrants himself and never even shied away from criticizing Trump’s immigration crackdown. Coming to Leo, he holds dual citizenship. Hailing from Chicago, he now lives in Vatican. As he spent most of his career in Peru, he has special concern for Venezuelan migrants in Peru.
Every Pope brings something new to the office. Pope Leo XIV certainly has a leadership style different from Francis. His views also may differ on certain subjects. But it is expected that he’ll carry forward certain aspects of Pope Francis’ legacy.
Scroll down for some latest pictures of Pope Leo XIV:
