In his first meeting with cardinals since being elected pope on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV praised Pope Francis’ legacy and signaled his intent to continue the late pontiff’s progressive approach.
The US-born Robert Francis Prevost, formerly a missionary in Peru and a senior Vatican official, was elected the 267th pope in a swift conclave with over 100 votes, reports dw.com
Citing Pope Francis’ “sober simplicity of life” and dialogue with the modern world, Leo called for building on that legacy with faith and hope. He also explained his choice of papal name as a tribute to Pope Leo XIII, who championed workers’ rights during the industrial era.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the Church must now lead on protecting labor in the face of challenges like artificial intelligence, which he said threatens human dignity and justice.
His two-hour session with cardinals introduced a more open format, allowing clerics to voice concerns and suggestions — an approach praised by participants as a sign of collaborative leadership.
