Pope Leo XIV pledges to uphold Pope Francis' legacy of social justice

On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the new pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. In his inaugural address to more than 200 cardinals, he emphasized the importance of maintaining the legacy left by the late Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. Leo XIV's election marks a significant moment as he is the first American to hold the position. His commitment to social justice mirrors that of Pope Francis, and he has called for a renewal of the Church's engagement with modern societal issues such as artificial intelligence, which presents new ethical challenges for the treatment of workers. Pope Leo XIV expressed his dedication to continuing the reforms initiated by the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, which sought to modernize the Church and promote inclusive dialogue with different faiths. He reiterated the importance of celebrating Mass in local languages rather than Latin, a significant shift promoting accessibility within the global Church of 1.4 billion members. The new pope also highlighted Francis' unwavering commitment to service and the need for the Church to adapt to the contemporary world, showcasing a vision that seeks to blend tradition with modern challenges. During a two-hour meeting with the cardinals, Leo XIV engaged them in a dialogue, a departure from the more traditional one-sided speeches of previous popes. This format of open discussion allowed the cardinals to voice their thoughts and concerns on critical issues facing the Church. Cardinal Sean Brady reported that Leo XIV listened attentively but acknowledged that tough decisions would be necessary moving forward. Such a communal and cordial atmosphere is seen as a positive step towards collaborative leadership within the Church hierarchy. The pope's name choice also serves as a tribute to the earlier Pope Leo XIII, who championed workers' rights during the industrial revolution. Leo XIV's remarks underscore a renewed focus on labor issues as they intersect with modern technological developments. He pointed out that the rise of artificial intelligence presents new dilemmas for maintaining human dignity and justice in labor conditions, thus positioning the Church as a leader in advocating for social equity in the face of these evolving challenges.