The new Pope Leo XIV, elected on May 8, 2025, as Robert Francis Prevost, unveiled his vision and pontifical program during his first meeting with the College of Cardinals on May 10. The first American pontiff in history, he chose a name heavy with meaning that reveals much about the direction he intends to give his pontificate.
The Symbolism of a Name: Why Leo XIV?
The choice of a papal name is always revealing of a new pontiff's intentions. Leo XIV was particularly explicit about his decision: "There are different reasons, but mainly because Pope Leo XIII, with the historic Encyclical 'Rerum Novarum', addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution; and today the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice, and labor."
This reference to Leo XIII is not insignificant. The encyclical "Rerum Novarum" (1891) is considered the founding text of the Church's social doctrine, responding to the challenges of industrialization and nascent capitalism. By choosing this name, the new pope clearly signals his intention to adapt Catholic social teaching to contemporary technological challenges.
The Legacy of Vatican II and Francis
In his first address, Leo XIV emphasized his commitment to continuing the path traced by the Second Vatican Council and deepened by his predecessor Francis. He highlighted several fundamental axes drawn from the apostolic exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium":
- The return to the primacy of Christ in the proclamation of the Gospel
- The missionary conversion of the entire Christian community
- The development of collegiality and synodality
- Attention to the "sensus fidei" (the sense of faith) of the faithful
- The valorization of popular piety as an authentic expression of faith
- Careful attention to the most destitute and excluded
- Courageous and confident dialogue with the contemporary world
"We have to seek together to be a missionary church. A church that builds bridges and dialogue," declared the pontiff during his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, thus manifesting his desire for continuity with Francis's pastoral orientation.
Facing Technological Challenges: A New "Rerum Novarum"?
The heart of Leo XIV's pontifical program seems to be taking shape around the Church's response to new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. Like Leo XIII, who had formulated Christian principles in the face of the industrial revolution, Leo XIV intends to mobilize the heritage of Catholic social doctrine to address the ethical questions raised by this new technological revolution.
Several aspects seem particularly important:
- The defense of human dignity in the face of automation and digitization
- Social justice issues related to transformations in work
- Equity in the development of and access to new technologies
- The ethical implications of artificial intelligence
His personal background gives him a unique perspective on these issues. American by birth but having served long in Peru, he combines an understanding of advanced technological centers with a sensitivity to the realities of developing countries.
Governance Method: Collegiality and Dialogue
In terms of ecclesial governance, Leo XIV seems to want to deepen the path of synodality and collegiality initiated by Francis. His first meeting with the cardinals comprised two parts: a speech followed by a time of exchange on "very concrete suggestions and proposals," some of which had been mentioned before the conclave.
This participatory approach is part of a vision of the Church as the "family of God" where the diversity of members finds its unity in Christ. "We have seen the true greatness of the Church, which lives in the diversity of its members united to the one Head, Christ," he emphasized.
A Church that Builds Bridges
The image of "bridges" employed by Leo XIV during his appearance on the balcony seems central to his vision. It evokes simultaneously:
- Ecumenical and interreligious dialogue
- The Church's engagement in social and political issues
- The rapprochement between tradition and modernity
- The connection between different parts of the universal Church
This metaphor takes on a particular resonance coming from the first American pope, but one who has spent a large part of his career in Latin America, and who is considered the "least American" American cardinal in the Vatican.
A Continuity in the Spirit of Vatican II
Leo XIV has clearly placed his pontificate in line with the Second Vatican Council, whose founding importance for the contemporary Church he emphasized. By citing Francis, Benedict XVI, and Paul VI in his first address, he signals his desire to inscribe his action in historical continuity, while responding to the specific challenges of the present moment.
He concluded his address by quoting Paul VI's words at the beginning of his Petrine ministry in 1963: "May it pass over the whole world like a great flame of faith and love kindled in all men and women of good will. May it shed light on paths of mutual cooperation and bless humanity abundantly, now and always, with the very strength of God, without whose help nothing is valid, nothing is holy."
A Pontificate at the Dawn of a New Era
The pontifical program of Leo XIV is situated at the intersection of fidelity to Church tradition and openness to contemporary challenges. His international experience, mathematical training, and deep knowledge of canon law give him valuable tools to address the complex questions posed by artificial intelligence.
The jubilee year 2025, in which the beginning of his pontificate is inscribed, offers a strong symbolic occasion to develop this vision. In a world marked by growing tensions and radical technological transformations, Leo XIV's program proposes a path that combines fidelity to Christian principles with resolute engagement in the issues of our time.
History will tell how this program will materialize, but the first indications suggest a pontificate that will seek to mobilize the heritage of Catholic social doctrine to respond to the ethical and social challenges of the digital era, while deepening the ecclesial reforms initiated by his predecessors.
