On Saturday, Pope Leo XIV outlined his papal agenda, emphasizing artificial intelligence as a key issue for mankind and pledging to uphold several main objectives set forth during the tenure of Pope Francis.
However, as an indication of how personal he was making the papacy, Leo ventured out for the first time since becoming pope, visiting a shrine located south of Rome which honors the Virgin Mary and holds special importance for both his Augustinian Order and his predecessor with the same name, Pope Leo XIII.
Residents of Genazzano assembled in the town’s central square outside the principal church, home to the sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna del Buon Consiglio—the Mother of Good Counsel. As Leo made his arrival, he warmly welcomed the crowd. Managed by Augustinian monks, this shrine has served as an important site for pilgrims since the 1400s. Earlier last century, Pope Leo XIII honored the sanctuary with the status of a minor basilica and also enlarged the neighboring monastery.
Following his prayer session at the church, Leo approached the locals and conveyed that with the presence of the Madonna among them, they were bestowed with both an honor and a duty. After imparting his blessings, he returned to sit in the front passenger seat of a black Volkswagen. On his way back to the Vatican, he made a detour to pray at Francis’ grave located within the St. Mary Major Basilica.
Following his initial official meeting as pope, which was attended by the cardinals who chose him for the position, Leo went on an afternoon excursion. During this gathering, Leo frequently referenced Francis and the deceased pontiff’s 2013 apostolic exhortation, emphasizing a dedication to transforming the Roman Catholic Church into one that is more welcoming and responsive to all believers, particularly those who are marginalized and ostracized.
Leo, the inaugural U.S.-born pope, informed the cardinals that he wholeheartedly supported the changes from the Second Vatican Council, those landmark gatherings during the ’60s aimed at updating the Church. He pinpointed artificial intelligence as a key concern for mankind, noting its potential threats to safeguarding human worth, fairness, and employment rights.
Indications of what’s to come start appearing.
Meanwhile, the Vatican offered its insights into the upcoming papacy under Pope Leo: They disclosed on Saturday that Leo will keep his original motto and coat of arms from his time as Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. These symbols underscore the importance of unity within the Church.
The slogan “In Illo Uno Unum,” spoken by Saint Augustine in a sermon, conveys that despite our multitude as Christians, within the one Christ, we are unified as one. The symbol represents the Augustinian Order: a burning heart pierced by an arrow alongside a book, signifying the Holy Scripture.
The Vatican also shared information regarding the pectoral cross worn by Leo; it was presented to him by the Augustinian order upon his elevation to cardinal in 2023. The cross holds relics of both Saint Augustine and his mother, Saint Monica, whose influence played an essential role in Augustine’s spiritual transformation to Christianity.
St. Augustine of Hippo stands out as a monumental figure in both theology and devotion within early Christian history. Established during the 13th century, the Augustinian Order consists of mendicant friars committed to living in poverty, providing service, and spreading the gospel.
Identifying with Francis
Leo referred to AI in explaining the choice of his name: His namesake, Pope Leo XIII, was pope from 1878 to 1903 and laid the foundation for modern Catholic social thought. He did so most famously with his 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum, which addressed workers’ rights and capitalism early in the Industrial Age. The late pope criticized both laissez-faire capitalism and state-centric socialism, giving shape to a distinctly Catholic vein of economic teaching.
In his remarks Saturday, Leo said he identified with his predecessor.
“In today’s world, the church presents the wealth of its social teachings as an answer to yet another industrial revolution and advancements in artificial intelligence, which present fresh challenges for protecting human dignity, justice, and work,” he stated.
Towards the conclusion of his papacy, Francis grew more outspoken regarding the dangers AI poses to humankind and advocated for an international agreement to oversee its development and use.
In numerous aspects, Francis viewed the Chicago-native Augustinian missionary Robert Prevost as a potential successor: In 2014, he transferred him to lead a minor Peruvian diocese, wherePrevost eventually assumed the role of bishop and chairperson for the Peruvian bishops’ assembly. Later, in 2023, Francis summoned him to Rome to oversee one of the crucial Vatican departments responsible for approving appointments of bishops.
During the address presented in Italian at the Vatican’s synod hall—rather than the Apostolic Palace—Leo frequently cited Francis and expressed deep sorrow regarding his passing. He regarded Francis’ 2013 mission document, “The Joy of the Gospel,” as guiding principles for himself.
He pointed out Francis’ emphasis on the church’s missionary character and the importance of making its governance more collaborative. He also highlighted the necessity of listening to the faithful, particularly their genuine and all-encompassing expressions such as popular devotion.
Referring once more to Francis’ 2013 mission statement, Leo highlighted the necessity for the Church to demonstrate “compassionate concern for the marginalized and outcast” and courageously converse with today’s society.
A quick conclave
Welcomed with a standing ovation, Leo delivered lines from his pre-prepared statement, glancing up infrequently. When he initially faced the public on Thursday evening, the newly appointed pope recited a handwritten speech in Italian which had likely been composed either prior to his significant selection or within an hour following it. His ease was most apparent when he spoke spontaneously in Spanish during his brief remarks.
Prevost was chosen as the 267th pope on Thursday with the fourth vote during the papal conclave, which concluded remarkably quickly considering this was the biggest and most internationally varied gathering ever. Additionally, many cardinals were unfamiliar with each other prior to their arrival in Rome.
Madagascar Cardinal Désiré Tsarahazana informed journalists on Saturday that on the last vote count, Prevost obtained more than 100 out of the total 133 votes. This indicates an overwhelming majority, significantly surpassing the required two-thirds, which equates to at least 89 votes, needed for election.
A remark from a competitor
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State who was seen as a leading candidate for the papacy, expressed his greetings on Saturday through a letter featured in his local newspaper, Il Giornale di Vicenza.
Parolin commended Leo’s understanding of current issues, remembering his initial remarks from the balcony where he emphasized the necessity for a peace that is both “defenseless and pacifying.” He also expressed appreciation for Prevost’s guidance in Chiclayo, mentioning howPrevost adeptly managed a complex issue without providing specifics. This experience led Parolin to value Prevost’s oversight even more during their time together at the Vatican overseeing the bishops’ office.
Parolin specifically commended Leo’s grasp of human dynamics and circumstances, describing his “composed manner in debates, balanced approach when suggesting resolutions, along with his respect, concern, and affection for all.”
Winfield works as a writer for the Associated Press.
This tale initially surfaced in
Los Angeles Times
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