Leo XIV Presents a Vision for a Modern Church Continuing in Francis’ Footsteps

Pope Leo XIV Charts a Forward-Looking Vision, Embracing Francis’ Legacy and Modern Challenges

On Thursday, Leo XIV officially assumed the papacy. By Saturday, he addressed the growing impact of artificial intelligence, stating it would “introduce new challenges in upholding human dignity, justice, and the rights of labor.”

In his first official address to the College of Cardinals, Pope Leo XIV on Saturday pledged to carry forward the transformative work of his predecessor, Pope Francis. He emphasized a continued commitment to guiding the Roman Catholic Church along a more missionary and inclusive path—one rooted in collaboration among church leaders and a profound solidarity with society’s most vulnerable.

A Vision Inspired by Evangelii Gaudium

Pope Leo expressed his dedication to a program of ecclesiastical modernization, grounded in the values and vision laid out in Evangelii Gaudium, the landmark apostolic exhortation released by Francis in 2013. Drawing extensively from this document, Leo reiterated several foundational goals, including:

• “Growth in collegiality” – deepening mutual cooperation among bishops and clergy,

• “Popular piety” – nurturing faith expressions rooted in the everyday lives of the faithful,

• “Loving care for the least and the rejected” – prioritizing outreach to the marginalized, and

• “Courageous and trusting dialogue with the contemporary world” – fostering open engagement with modern social and cultural realities.

“Francis masterfully and concretely set it forth,” Leo remarked, describing Evangelii Gaudium as a spiritual compass for the church’s mission in the 21st century.

The Meaning Behind the Name 'Leo'

The new pontiff also shed light on the significance of choosing the name Leo. The last pope to bear the name—Leo XIII—issued the seminal encyclical Rerum Novarum in the late 1800s. This document, translated as On the Rights and Duties of Capital and Labor, affirmed the Church’s moral authority to address social and economic issues in the wake of the first Industrial Revolution.

Echoing that legacy, Pope Leo XIV warned of a new kind of industrial upheaval: the technological revolution driven by artificial intelligence. This revolution, he stated, brings fresh and complex challenges for the Church—particularly in safeguarding human dignity, justice, and the integrity of labor.

“In response,” Leo declared, “the Church offers to all the rich treasury of her social teaching.”

Honoring the Legacy of Francis

Throughout his speech, Leo XIV repeatedly praised Pope Francis, referring to him as a “humble servant of God and of his brothers and sisters.” He commended Francis’ unwavering dedication to service and his example of “sober simplicity of life.”

Reflections from the Cardinals

Following Pope Leo’s address, several cardinals offered their reflections. Cardinal Dominik Duka of Prague noted that one of the central topics raised was synodality—the inclusive model of church governance that encourages dialogue between clergy and laypeople, and which became a defining theme of Francis’ papacy.

Other discussions touched on sensitive global matters. Cardinal Duka acknowledged mention of the Vatican’s diplomatic engagement with China—a relationship notably shaped during Francis’ tenure, especially through efforts to establish a stronger Catholic presence under a delicate agreement with Beijing.

As the meeting concluded, the cardinals seemed united in their understanding of Pope Leo’s intention to maintain the course set by his predecessor. Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo of Venezuela affirmed, “The pope spoke about the continuity of the pontificate of Francis and then he asked some questions to us,” noting that Leo’s inquiries focused particularly on the formation and development of priests and bishops.

Cardinal Sean Brady of Ireland, departing the meeting, observed warmly that Pope Leo was “greeting everybody now, which is very nice.”

A Surprise Visit and Warm Reception

Later that same day, Pope Leo XIV made an unexpected pilgrimage to Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, an Augustinian sanctuary located just outside Rome. His unannounced arrival was met with enthusiastic cheers as he stepped out of a black minivan’s passenger seat. Locals leaned out of windows to catch a glimpse, while the Pope shook hands and waved to the excited crowd gathered to welcome him.