VATICAN CITY – Less than a day after his election, Pope Leo XIV is settling into his new role as leader of the Catholic Church, sparking early speculation about how he may shape the direction of his papacy.
Formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the 69-year-old Chicago-born prelate greeted crowds from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on Thursday evening following his election. Returning shortly after to the Sant’Uffizio Palace, where he had lived for the last two months, the new pope was welcomed by smiling colleagues and staff. A young girl handed him a Bible to bless, prompting a light-hearted remark: “Of course, though I have to try out my new signature. The old one is of no use anymore.”
As Pope Leo XIV begins his tenure, observers are closely analyzing every public appearance and symbolic gesture. His attire during his first balcony address—a gold cross, embroidered stole, and red mozzetta—stood in contrast to the simpler look of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and was widely viewed as a signal of a more traditionalist approach.
This impression was reinforced on Friday, when Pope Leo delivered a scripted homily to the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, departing from Francis’ often spontaneous style.
Catholic commentators suggest these early signs may indicate a return to tradition. “Leo will be more closely aligned to tradition than Francis was,” noted Austen Ivereigh, a well-known Catholic writer.
In the coming days, more clarity is expected. On Monday, the Pope is scheduled to address the media, and on May 18, he will formally begin his pontificate with a solemn inauguration Mass in St Peter’s Square. World leaders and dignitaries will be in attendance, and his inaugural homily may offer further insight into his priorities.
During Pope Francis’ 2013 inaugural homily, he urged global leaders to be “protectors of creation.” Similar attention will be paid to Leo XIV’s address, which could highlight the themes closest to his heart.
Accommodation Decision Under Watch
Another early decision being watched closely is whether Pope Leo will reside in the traditional Apostolic Palace or follow in Francis’ footsteps by choosing the more modest Casa Santa Marta guesthouse. Vatican insiders suggest he has not yet made a decision.
“These are all important choices,” said Ivereigh. “The first week of the pontificate is a constant revelation.”
Glimpses of Robert Prevost’s Past Emerge
In the absence of detailed policy direction, the global Catholic community is turning its attention to Pope Leo’s personal background.
Born in Chicago, Prevost spent many years serving in Peru, where he became a citizen in 2015. Images and videos from his time there—celebrating birthdays and bidding farewell with fondness for Peruvian cuisine—have gone viral on South American social media. “The Pope is Peruvian; God loves Peru,” declared Peruvian President Dina Boluarte.
Mixed Reactions Among Tourists
In Rome, tourists expressed both surprise and optimism. Kerry, a Chicagoan honeymooning in the Eternal City, was stunned to learn the new pope hailed from her hometown. “I’m still surprised they chose an American,” she said, adding with a smile that she was pleased by rumors he supports the White Sox.
Her husband Joseph remarked, “When you’re elected pope, things never go back to the way they were,” describing Leo XIV as “a man of confidence, prayer, and humility.”
As the couple posed for a photo in St Peter’s Square with newspapers announcing the election, the spring sunshine marked a fresh beginning—not just for Pope Leo XIV, but for the Catholic Church.
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