The newly elected head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, has pledged to continue the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, emphasizing humility, service, and a renewed commitment to addressing pressing global social issues.
Speaking to the College of Cardinals on Saturday, the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost — an American — described the papacy as a humble calling rather than a position of power.
“From Saint Peter to myself, his unworthy successor, the Pope has always been a humble servant of God and his people,” he stated in a speech made available by the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV highlighted that his choice of papal name was inspired by Pope Leo XIII, the 19th-century pontiff renowned for championing the rights of workers during the Industrial Revolution.
He explained, “I chose the name Leo XIV to align myself with the vision of Leo XIII, who addressed the social challenges of his era with courage and clarity.”
Drawing a parallel between past and present global challenges, the new Pope underscored the need for fresh approaches to social teaching in the face of technological advancement and artificial intelligence.
“We are now experiencing a new Industrial Revolution, marked by digital innovation and AI,” he said. “These developments raise urgent questions about human dignity, justice, and the future of labour, all of which demand the Church’s attention and response.”
The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration Mass is scheduled for May 18, with several key events lined up to mark the beginning of his papacy.
Leo XIV becomes the first American to ascend to the papal office, signaling what many observers see as a continuation of the Church’s progressive outreach under Francis.
