Following his election, Pope Leo XIV started his duty with a special service in St. Peter’s Square watched by thousands of people from across the globe.
At the holy ceremony, he was presented with two special symbols of his role: a white Palio that proves his authority and unity with the Church’s bishops and a Fisherman’s Ring, a gold ring that stands for his office as Peter’s successor. Besides changing leadership, these instances opened up a new time in the Church’s journey.
The arrival of Leo XIV is greeted with much interest and good expectations. A lot of people, from inside the Church and from those outside it, are eagerly studying what Pope Francis V will do in comparison to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who was known for his kindness, mindful reforms and outreach to groups like the youth and the poor.
Many are asking if Leo XIV will keep the recent open and caring style started by Francis in the papacy. At this point it’s difficult to predict the course his presidency will follow, though what’s clear is that he wants to maintain certain principles associated with prior leaders.
One of the most important things about Pope Leo XIV’s rise is that he is the only second Pope from the American continent. Leo XIV began his life in Chicago, United States, but he was always very connected to Latin America, where he did much of his work and ministry.
After becoming Pope, he spoke to the world in Spanish and paid special tribute to the people of Chiclayo, Peru, where he had spent most of his priesthood. His expression of thanks for the Peruvian people expressed both a link and loyalty to the culture and convictions of Latin American Catholicism.
It was in 1985 that the Pope traveled to Peru and started his lasting role as pastor in the Catholic Church there. His meeting with Gandhi laid the foundation for the way he saw the world, served the Church and viewed its involvement in communities dealing with poverty, injustice and religion.
He frequently talks about these years positively, mentioning how the people he led taught him with humility and kindness. He even said recently that his destiny for the Vatican was “foreseen” more than two decades before the election. I never heard him describe this in detail, but by saying that, he implied that he had felt called—perhaps guided by God—to the special role he held in Church leadership.
At the start of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, ceremonies, symbols and sentiments were as important as any official act. Ancient traditions build the foundation and strong personal links across nations and cultures add light to his path. As the Church starts a fresh age, everyone is attentive to see the impact Pope Francis, raised in Argentina and with a global mindset, will have on believers ahead.