Experts on the importance of the new Pope choose the name Leo XIV
Experts say the Pope’s name can provide clues about the values and priorities of the new Pope. What does choosing Leo XIV tell them?
- Tens of thousands of people gthered to hear the first American Pope speak from the balcony of St. Peter’s Square.
- Leo said he welcomed the recent announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
Pope Leo XIV spoke to the crowds of St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, repeating his predecessor, Pope Francis’ urgent pleas for peace, a recurring theme.
Tens of thousands of loyal people joined the curious tourists, gathered in the square to hear the words of the first American pope from Chicago, openly White Sox fans, and longtime confidants of Francis. Leo, who was elected Pope on May 8, recalls the “immeasurable tragedy of World War II,” urging world leaders not to allow another person to crush civilization.
“In today’s dramatic context of World War III, I fought fragments… I have appealed too much to the powerful people of the world by repeating these constantly related words.
Leo said he welcomed the recent announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He said he hopes that “a lasting agreement could soon be achieved” through future negotiations.
On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a direct meeting with Ukraine, with the aim of ending the three-year war. Leo called for negotiations to reach authentic, just and lasting peace, adding that he carries “the suffering of his beloved people in Ukraine.”
The Pope also said he was “deeply saddened” by the war in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian assistance and liberation of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. He then called for the end of the battle in Gaza.
“I’m deeply struggling with what’s going on,” he said. “We will immediately stop fighting, provide humanitarian assistance to exhausted civilians and ensure that all hostages are released.”
Leo concluded with her appeal to Mary Queen of Peace so that she can present it to the Lord Jesus and obtain the miracle of peace for us.
Pope Francis, who called the church in Gaza almost every night during the war, repeatedly sought peace.
Bands around the world were visiting Rome on previously planned pilgrimages in the Holy Catholic Year. Leo greeted “lovingly” on Sunday, thanking them for their performance, the Vatican said.
Minutes before the Pope’s speech, the marching band serenaded the crowd with American-themed music, including the themes of “YMCA,” “Gong Now,” the film Rocky theme, and a selection of “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Dennis Gilligan and his wife Maureen of Boston were visiting Rome for their anniversary. He said he missed the opportunity to see Pope John Paul II when he visited Boston in 1979.
“I regretted it for the rest of my life,” he said. “This was very moving.”
Experts believe it is unlikely that Leo will take the church in a direction significantly different to the relatively progressive path that Francis chose. Some of Leo’s comments since the election show that he wants to further promote some of the changes that Francis has supported. Specifically, the new Pope cited his predecessor, “the dialogue between various elements and the modern world in reality.”
“The Cardinals rejected Pope Francis’ legacy and did not elect anyone to take him to the old church,” said Rev. Thomas Rees, Jesuit priest and columnist at Religious News Service. “That day is over.”
– – Liam Adams
Contribution: Reuters
