Pope Leo XIV sets tone for Papacy with focus on peace and tradition

Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time as leader of the Catholic Church, offering the world a clear sense of what his papacy will stand for—peace, care for the vulnerable, and a return to some long-held church traditions.

Elected by cardinals from across the globe, Leo was chosen as the new pope on the second day of the conclave following the death of Pope Francis last month.

The former US Cardinal Robert Prevost is the first pope from the United States and holds dual citizenship in Peru, where he spent many years as a missionary before becoming a cardinal.

His early actions gave three strong hints about his vision for leading the Church’s 1.4 billion followers.

A Name Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching

Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name was the first indicator of his priorities.

In the Catholic Church, a pope’s name often signals the direction his leadership will take.

Francis, his predecessor, took his name from St. Francis of Assisi, known for living simply and serving the poor.

Pope Leo, on the other hand, chose to follow in the footsteps of Leo XIII, who led the Church from 1878 to 1903 and was widely respected for supporting workers’ rights.

"By picking the name Leo XIV, he shows he is committed to the social teaching of the church," said Rev. Thomas Reese, a Jesuit commentator who closely follows papal developments.

Leo XIII championed issues such as fair pay, safe working conditions, and the right to form unions—concerns that remain relevant in today’s world.

A Voice for Peace

The second signal came through his language and message to the thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo XIV did not speak in English, but instead used Italian, the official language of the Vatican, and added a short message in Spanish to reach out to the community in Peru, where he once served.

His opening words—"La pace sia con tutti voi!" or "Peace be with you!"—not only reflected a common Catholic greeting but also set the tone for what may become a key theme of his papacy: peace in a troubled world.

His call for peace followed a statement made by cardinals before the conclave.

They expressed sorrow over global violence, including in Ukraine and the Middle East, and called for peace efforts to be renewed around the world.

Pope Leo XIV told the crowd that the peace he wished to share was "a disarmed peace and a disarming peace" that is "humble and persevering."

He also paid tribute to Francis, who gave his final blessing on Easter Sunday, one day before his death. Leo remembered him with affection and gratitude.

"We still have in our ears that weak, but always courageous voice of Pope Francis," he said.

Before giving his own blessing, he asked for permission to repeat the final words Francis shared: "God loves us, God loves everyone, and evil will not prevail. We are in the hands of God."

Returning to Traditional Symbols

Pope Leo XIV’s appearance also offered a clue to how he plans to guide the Church.

His choice of clothing differed from that of Pope Francis, who had rejected many traditional signs of papal power, including on the day he became pope in 2013.

Leo wore a red papal stole over his white cassock—an outfit rich in traditional meaning and one that had been downplayed by Francis in his own early days as pope.

This choice shows that while Pope Leo XIV respects the legacy of his predecessor, he may take a different path in leading the Church, combining long-held customs with new ideas for addressing modern challenges.

Though he follows a pope remembered for humility and reform, Leo has shown he will also lean on the strength of the Church’s heritage to guide the future.

A New Path Begins

In his first appearance, Pope Leo XIV revealed much about how he intends to serve.

Through his name, words, and appearance, he highlighted his dedication to social justice, peace, and the enduring traditions of the Church.