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3mo ago

Pope Leo XIV Charts Reformist Path as First American Pontiff

Leo XIV focuses on modernizing the Catholic Church, addressing global conflicts, and tackling institutional challenges in his early days as pope.

Pope Leo XIV leaves the Augustinian General House in Rome after a visit, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Pope Leo XIV leaves the Augustinian General House in Rome after a visit, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Pope Leo XIV holds an audience with representatives of the media in Paul VI hall at the Vatican, May 12, 2025. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez/File Photo
Like many American Jews, Pope Leo XIV is a big fan of baseball. The outfield video board displays a congratulatory message for him at the Chicago White Sox's Rate Field on May 9, 2025. (Abigail Dean/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected on May 8, becoming the first American leader of the Catholic Church.
  • In his inaugural address, he reaffirmed his commitment to Second Vatican Council reforms and emphasized modernization and unity within the Church.
  • Leo XIV has called for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, signaling his intent to engage with global political issues early in his papacy.
  • Public reactions to his papacy have been mixed, with Americans split on his ideological stance and a viral video mistakenly interpreted as controversial later clarified.
  • The pope faces significant challenges, including addressing clerical abuse scandals, declining church attendance, and a Vatican financial deficit of €83 million.