By Gennaro Virtuoso. History was made as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected the first American pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election follows the death of Pope Francis remembered for his compassion, advocacy for the marginalized, and the historic remark, “Who am I to judge?”
Pope Francis’ death occurred during Octave of Easter, has been interpreted by some as symbolic. As Father Frank from Our Lady of Mercy Church in Queens, put it, “There is a significance to it-that he died on Easter Monday. It’s God’s way of remaining anonymous.” For many Catholics, this marked a mourning and a new beginning.
A Papacy Shaped by Diversity and Experience
Pope Leo XIV hails from Chicago and his roots trace back to Creole families in New Orleans, giving him a unique multicultural identity that can create bridges within the church. He also served extensively in Peru showing early on his commitment to Latin American and immigrant communities. His election has been met with widespread praise and cautious optimism by both Church insiders and lay people. He steps into a leadership at a critical time, with global upheaval and division he promises to bridge the gap between faith and modern society. In his inaugural remarks, Pope Leo emphasized the importance of unity, missionary, outreach, and love across divisions. He paid tribute to his Peruvian parish and acknowledge the guidance of Pope Francis.
Jennifer Garcia Guevara, a Queens medical assistant and QCC student said, “I saw it coming,” but was “shocked after hearing about his background.” “I wasn’t expecting that” referring to the fact that Pope Leo was from Chicago.
Symbolism and Historic Echoes
The modern-day Pope Leo shares many similarities with Pope XIII, who served from 1878 to 1903 and confronted the social challenges of the Industrial Revolution. His 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum laid the foundation for Catholic social teaching and championed workers’ rights while critiquing both unregulated capitalism and socialism.
Like Leo XIII, Pope XIV emerges during a time of social transformation. With global migration crisis, economic inequality, and youth disconnection from institutional religion, his leadership will be tested on multiple fronts.
Balancing Tradition with Politics
While Pope Leo holds more traditional views on issues like same sex marriage and female ordination, he remains committed to elevating women’s roles in the church leadership and challenging unjust political ideologies. His public disagreement with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance over a statement suggesting Christians should love their own people more than outsiders marked his intent to lead a Church rooted in universal love.
He was previously criticized for but consistently calls for love and dignity for all. His leadership appears to blend with Pope Francis’ message of social compassion.
In regard to the new Pope’s stance, Father Frank quotes the gospel of John 21;15, “Do you love me?” making the point that Jesus asks Peter, seen as the founder of the Catholic church three times that same question, emphasizing the foundation of the church in love.
Call to Action, Youth Mental Health, and Engagement
Although students in Queensborough are extremely hopeful and exited with the newly elected Pope, they feel that the stigma around Mental Health continues to become an obstacle, and they urge the new Pope to do more. They also feel that the church should make more of an effort to connect to their generation. Justin says that the New Pope “should be more on social media as a way to interact with us.“
Both Jennifer and Justin believe that Pope Leo must address issues affecting young people.” Mental health is a major issue that’s not talked about enough,” said Justin. He believes that a pope should be more visible in daily life could not only build and reinforce and establish a relationship between the church and the youth but also help de-stigmatize mental health struggles among students.“
Jennifier echoed this sentiment, and said the new Pope ‘should embrace being more open based on “who they are, not their religion.”
Family ties- The tale of the two Brothers
Five thousand miles away in Florida, a retired contractor and longtime Florida resident is making headlines, as well. The popes’ older brother, Louis Prevost’s social media history is filled with MAGA stories, election denial, and posts that are critical of migrants.
To be fair, families don’t always see eye-eye. Plenty of people have relatives with opposing views -especially now when it comes to politics. But when your brother is the pope, that’s carries a lot more weight. The question is whether Louis’ views could end up becoming a distraction from the work Leo XIV is trying to do.
Some Vatican watchers think its more than just a curiosity.
“People are hungry for symbols, “ says Italian religion writer Alessandra Moretti. “They see two brothers and think: this is the split in the Church, in the world, in families -all wrapped up in one story.” While the Vatican has remained silent on Prevost’s views, it’s difficult to ignore. One brother stands at the helm of the world’s largest religious institution ,calling for a church that “ opens doors to all , while the other brothers calls to close them.”
A Game of Chess
The election of Pope Leo XLV isn’t just another chapter in Church tradition -it feels like a carefully considered move in a much bigger global game. For Catholics, he’s the Holy Father. But as the New Times Motoko Rich put it, for the world, he’s a powerful voice-one stepping into a time marked by division, doubt, and political noise.
We live in uncertain times. Politics it polarized. Misinformation spread fast. And as NPR phrased it, the Church must navigate “the great uncertainty that is Trump’s America. “No pressure right,”?
But this move? To elect an American Pope, was it tradition doing its thing? Or is it a message to the world that the Church still knows how to play the long game. Its like castling the king: protect what matters, shift your stance, and get ready for action, instead of ripping your bishop across the board.
Only time will time, which move are next -one move can change the whole game to a Checkmate!
A Legacy of Love, A future of Hope following the Footprints of Pope Francis- Voices of the people
As the church embarks on a new Chapter with Pope Leo XIV, his leadership arrives not just at a crossroads of history -but at a crossroads of the human heart.
Pope Francis once said on a post on World Hope Internationals-“Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of hope”. That message should be a manta for us all – A suit of Amour that nothing can break us-.
“Pope Francis allowed me to be more human,” Father Frank reflects, recalling the Pope’s statement that pastors need to “smell like sheep. ” For him, this metaphor is a call to leadership grounded in compassionate presence.
“If I could ask Pope Francis anything,” Father Frank, said thoughtfully, “it would be: “Pray for me.” He believes this simple request captures the essence of Francis’ legacy- a papacy rooted in humility, humanity, and presence.
Students like Justin are equally inspired. “I agree with Pope Francis message that “All people should be free-living free,” Justin said.” Because America was built by immigrants.“ He hopes Pope Leo will continue to follow Pope Francis’ ‘footprints in the sand.”
Jennifer added that the New Pope should continue towards a journey of openness. “He should embrace people for who they are, not just religion.”
As the church faces a divided world, this unity of voices-of students, clergy, and the Popes past and present offers a guided light. A reminder that loves, inclusion, and faith still have power.
In the spirit of Holy progression, Pope Francis ‘parting message and last attempt to “Do the Right Thing “and follow the teaching of Jesus Christ of Empathy and Compassion. “Hope speaks to us of a thirst, an aspiration, a longing for a life of fulfillment, a desire to achieve great things.” –(Chapter One , Section 55)i .From Pope Frances’ encyclical letter “Fratelli Tutti” (Brothers and Sisters All).
And now, with Pope Leo XLV at the helm, that thirst for hope may yet find renewal.
