Pope Leo XIV, became the 267th Bishop of Rome and the first ever American on May 8, 2025. He was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago and chose the papal name Leo XIV. Many people have rejoiced over the news that a new vicar of Christ will lead the flock of faithful into this modern world. We may liken this to his namesake Pope Leo XIII who led the church into a transformative era of the industrial age. Both Popes mirror each other as they lead the church into times unknown and guide the flock of the faithful into a world that is dynamic and everchanging.
Pope Leo XIV’s reign has been two months and counting, during this time he has made himself secured on the throne of Peter and made all the necessities in the Vatican in order. One notable moment that Pope Leo XIV did when he was being revealed on that day is that when he went out wearing the Red Papal Mozzetta, a stark contrast to when the Late Pontiff Pope Francis went out the balcony without it. Many have talked about it as a step back to tradition as many pontiffs before have done so.
During the First month as a pontiff, Pope Leo led many celebrations as the season of Easter comes to a close, most significant of course is the Pentecost Sunday mass. It is a celebration that marks the start of our Church and ministry of the Apostles as the Holy Spirit descends upon them. In this particular celebration Pope Leo XIV led the chanting of the Regina Coeli Prayer and he beautifully sung the traditional hymn alongside the many faithful in attendance.
During this month of July, it is noted that the pope reignited the tradition of the Summer Retreat of Castel Gandolfo. People may think that this is just an ordinary summer retreat but it is an avenue of renewing a promise of his predecessor. It is noteworthy that Pope Leo XIV echoes the call to care for creation as he held a mass for the care of creation at the Borgo Laudato Si. It is an educational center that was established by the Late Pope Francis as a testament to the church’s commitment to ecological conservation.
During the First month as a pontiff, Pope Leo led many celebrations as the season of Easter comes to a close, most significant of course is the Pentecost Sunday mass. It is a celebration that marks the start of our Church and ministry of the Apostles as the Holy Spirit descends upon them. In this particular celebration Pope Leo XIV led the chanting of the Regina Coeli Prayer and he beautifully sung the traditional hymn alongside the many faithful in attendance.
During this month of July, it is noted that the pope reignited the tradition of the Summer Retreat of Castel Gandolfo. People may think that this is just an ordinary summer retreat but it is an avenue of renewing a promise of his predecessor. It is noteworthy that Pope Leo XIV echoes the call to care for creation as he held a mass for the care of creation at the Borgo Laudato Si. It is an educational center that was established by the Late Pope Francis as a testament to the church’s commitment to ecological conservation.
Not only that, the Retreat also was a diplomatic endeavor to work towards peace. Pope Leo XIV met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss humanitarian aid for the victims of the war in Ukraine. Ultimately it is an effort to discuss possible ways to achieve peace between the two nations.
One of the most significant actions of Pope Leo XIV recently is his im mediate reaction with regards to the attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza. Hearing of the attack and the death of the victims, the pope immediately condemned the attack and called for an end to the barbarism of the war that affects many innocents. The Pope continues to be an agent of peace and called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu to protect all sacred sites and pushed for further efforts for peace.
The Pope has done a lot over his two months of his reign and we can expect more from Pope Leo XIV as he continues to be a shepherd for this modern flock. Let us continue to pray for him that he may guide our church in these uncertain times and remain steadfast in our Catholic Faith. Let the actions of Pope Leo XIV be an inspiration to us ordinary lay Catholics to be an active instrument within our society. For we are called to put into action the teachings of the world and become instruments of God’s Mercy for all.
Written By: Enrico Estrella III