Thousands of jubilant faithful in St Peter’s Square welcomed the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, hailing a figure promising both continuity and change in the catholic church

Vatican City erupted in cheers as Robert Prevost ascended to the papacy on May 8, adopting the name Pope Leo XIV. His inaugural appearance on St Peter’s Basilica’s balcony was met with the resounding chants of “Leone! Leone!” from the faithful, setting the tone for a papacy filled with hope and expectation.

The announcement of his election came just hours after the white smoke signaled the conclave’s decision, following a mere three rounds of voting. In a poignant moment, Pope Leo XIV addressed the crowd, echoing the message of his late predecessor, Pope Francis: “God loves us, God loves everyone, and evil will not prevail. We are in the hands of God.” His speech, emphasizing peace and unity, underscored his message for a church committed to dialogue and disarming peace.

Born in Chicago and raised in Peru, Pope Leo XIV’s background as bishop of Chiclayo provides a unique perspective shaped by poverty in Latin America. This experience aligns with Pope Francis’s advocacy for the marginalized, yet Leo XIV’s election suggests he may forge a middle path, blending progressive values with traditional Vatican beliefs. While his speech resonated with themes of inclusivity, it was noted that Leo XIV’s attire—a red cape over his white cassock—symbolized his commitment to both tradition and the spiritual authority of his office.

Experts suggest that Leo XIV’s election was as much about stability as it was about change. Vatican veteran Phil Pullella pointed out that Leo XIV’s ties to the Global South, coupled with his experience in the Roman Curia, made him a strong candidate for both liberal and conservative factions within the church. His leadership promises a delicate balance between reform and reverence for church traditions.

The name “Leo” holds significant historical weight, drawing from Pope Leo XIII, who championed social justice in the 19th century. Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical, Rerum Novarum, addressed the plight of the working class during industrialisation and has been foundational in shaping Catholic social doctrine. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni remarked that Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name signals a desire to connect with contemporary issues, including technological advancements like artificial intelligence, while addressing global social challenges.

For many in the square, the election of Leo XIV marked a moment of personal significance. Rosaria Venuto, who travelled from Apulia to witness the event, shared her emotional connection to the occasion, while others, like 29-year-old Kasper Mihalak, expressed hope for the peace-focused leadership Leo XIV promised.

As the papacy of Pope Leo XIV unfolds, his leadership will likely navigate the complexities of modernity, social justice, and Vatican traditions. His inaugural speech laid the foundation for a papacy poised to build bridges while maintaining the church’s timeless mission.