In his first week as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV has set the tone for what many expect to be a papacy marked by humility, global outreach and continuity with his predecessors, Ines San Martin writes. Source: OSV News.
As the Church welcomed its 267th Pope on May 8, attention quickly turned to the first moments of his pontificate. The first weeks of a papacy often give a hint as to how the entire pontificate will look.
Stepping onto the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica in an outfit reminiscent of Popes Benedict XVI and St John Paul II, he greeted the world with words inspired by Pope Francis: “Peace be with you all!”
With that simple phrase, the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost set the tone for what many expect to be a papacy marked by humility, global outreach and continuity with his predecessors.
That it also will be a papacy marked by supporting those suffering through wars was proved by the applause given to Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv-Haluych in war-torn Ukraine when he greeted Pope Leo during an audience on Wednesday in the Paul VI Hall, with thousands of Eastern Catholics participating in their Jubilee pilgrimage to Rome.
“The peoples of our world desire peace, and to their leaders I appeal with all my heart: Let us meet, let us talk, let us negotiate!” the Pope said.
On May 11 – Good Shepherd Sunday – he led, singing, the Regina Coeli to fervent applause from 150,000 people gathered.
Meeting journalists working in Rome permanently and those who came for conclave coverage, he said: “Thank you, dear friends, for your service to the truth.”
The Pope’s inauguration will be held on Sunday, May 18, the feast of St John I, Pope and martyr, and what would have been St John Paul II’s 105th birthday. It begins at 10am local time (6pm AEST).
Ines San Martin writes for OSV News from Rome. She is the vice president of communications for the Pontifical Mission Societies USA.
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In 7 days, Pope Leo XIV has made a mark: Here’s how Popes’ first weeks shaped their papacy (By Ines San Martin, OSV News)
