Pope Leo XIV formally addressed Roman Catholic cardinals for the first time on Saturday, pledging to continue the transformative path initiated by his predecessor, Pope Francis. He emphasized a renewed missionary focus, encouraging collaboration among church leaders and fostering closeness to marginalized communities.
In his speech, Leo highlighted the significance of evangelization as outlined in Francis' 2013 document, "Evangelii Gaudium." He pointed out key objectives such as promoting collegiality, nurturing popular piety, and demonstrating “loving care for the least and the rejected.” Moreover, the new pope expressed intentions to engage in "courageous and trusting dialogue with the contemporary world."
While introducing himself, Pope Leo XIV explained his name choice, linking it to the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, known for his encyclical "Rerum Novarum," which discussed social issues amid the industrial revolution. He acknowledged that the world today is experiencing another industrial shift driven by artificial intelligence, which presents fresh challenges in upholding human dignity, justice, and labor rights. Leo asserted that the Church would offer robust social teaching as a response to these emerging societal challenges.
Pope Francis was fondly remembered for his humble dedication to service, which Leo commended as a guiding example for the Church. Following the address, cardinals expressed support for Leo’s commitment to maintaining the direction set by Francis. Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo mentioned that Leo's focus on continuity resonated well with the attendees, especially regarding the formation of clergy.
As Pope Leo XIV steps into his role, his dedication to modernizing the Church while upholding its core values promises an era of resilience and responsiveness to contemporary issues facing the global community.
