Pope Leo ID ‘: How will the new Pontiff lead
Pope Leo Id ‘performed his first function as a Pontiff on Friday, the day after he was elected by the Conclave.
The BBC, in the analysis ofhe points out that the early days of the new Pontiff may give the mark on how to lead the Catholic Church.
The first hours after his election
Shortly after greeted the crowd from the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square on Thursday night, the new Pope returned to the Sant’husio Palace, where he lived in the last two months.
There he met with his former colleagues and other staff, who were looking forward to shaking his hand and congratulating him.
A young girl gave him a Bible to bless her and sign.
« Of course, though I have to try my new signature, » Pope Leo said, smiling. « The old one is no longer useful to me. »
He had stopped being Robert Francis Prevost just a few hours before, when he was elected a Pope. As soon as he got the name of Leo I ‘, a new life began for the 69 -year -old cardinal born in Chicago.
However, the details of how Pope Leo will seek to command the Catholic Church are still few, so in the coming days and weeks every small element will be examined – from his clothing to his choice.
The thorough check began as soon as it climbed the balcony, giving the crowd a taste of the vestments he chose for his first appearance.
The Golden Cross around his neck that was pulling the evening light was considered a first sign that he was moving away from the simplicity of the simple silver pendant of his predecessor, while the embroidered Solena and the Red Motheta established this impression, the BBC writes.
Pope Leo XIV Greeted the City of Rome and the World at His First Appeal as the Successor of Peter from the Central Balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
« Peace be with you! Dearest Brothers and Sisters, This Was The First Greeting of the Risen Christ, The Good Shepherd, Who Gave… pic.twitter.com/aqjcopk5ge
– Vatican News (@vaticannews) May 8, 2025
‘Closerly aligned in tradition’
Then, the fact that the speech he gave to the Cardinals in the Sistine Hat on Friday morning was written – and not improvised – also sent a message that « Leo will be closerly aligned with the tradition than Francis, » said Athin.
In the coming days the new Pope will take part in a series of events where he will show what his priorities will be in the papal post.
On Monday he will meet with representatives from the media and on May 18th he will perform a solemn opening in St. Peter’s Square.
In the context of this function, he will give a speech in the presence of many heads of states and officials.
In his inaugural speech in 2013, Pope Francis asked « all those who have positions of responsibility in economic, political and social life » to be « patrons of creation, the plan of God, one another and the environment ».
Thus, this speech can give more information on what issues are most concerned with the new Pontiff.
Where will Pope Leo stay?
The choice of new pope’s accommodation will also be important.
Franciscus made the choice to stay in the simple Kaza Santa Martha hostel, which was considered revolutionary, but Leo may well decide to follow almost all of his predecessors and stay in the magnificent Apostolic Palace.
« He was elected less than a day ago, let’s give him time to decide, » the Vatican sources cited by the Italian media said.
« All of these are important choices, » Iberi added.
« In the coming days we will learn more and more about them, the first week of the Pontiff is a constant revelation. »
Pope’s past comes to light of publicity
In the meantime, in the absence of details of his future as Leo II, Pope’s past as Robert Francis Prevost comes to light.
This is especially true in his hometown, Chicago, and in his « adopted » homeland, Peru, of which he became a citizen in 2015.
« The Pope is Peruvian, God loves Peru, » said Peru’s President Dina Boluarte.
Faithful attend the operation at the Cathedral of St. Maria in Chiclagio, Peru.
US tourists wandering around St. Peter’s Square the day after the election were more restrained and slightly troubled by the news that the new Pope is from the US, the BBC notes.
« I am still surprised to have chosen an American, to be honest, » said Kerry of Chicago, who is in Rome for honeymoon.
He acknowledged that he didn’t know much about the new Pope yet, but he was pleased to be rumors that he was a fan of the team baseball White Sox.
Asked how he thinks Pope Leo feels today, he laughed: « He has to be really shocking, I bet he has not closed an eye! »
Joseph’s husband agreed: « When you are elected Pope, you come here as a cardinal for the Conclave, but then things do not come back as they were, » he said.
However, he felt that the new Pope seemed to be « a man of trust, prayer and humility ».
« I just pray to show the world what a man of God can do, » he said.
