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Surprise in the Vatican: Leo XIV becomes the new Pope!
Pope Leo XIV was unexpectedly elected. Experts from the University of Münster analyze his topics and approaches for the pontificate.
Surprise in the Vatican: Leo XIV becomes the new Pope!
On May 9, 2025, Pope Leo XIV, in the persona of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected unexpectedly quickly, just one day after the start of the conclave. The 69-year-old American with European roots and South American influences immediately entered the chapel of the Apostolic Palace to celebrate his ceremonial inauguration. Dressed in a white chasuble and a white miter, he attracted public attention also because he wore dark shoes instead of the traditional red shoes. At his first mass in the Sistine Chapel, there were many people present who listened to his words with excitement.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV pointed out the social importance of the Christian faith. He addressed the challenges of the modern world, where faith is often viewed as absurd while technological and financial values are given priority. The new Pope emphasized the dramatic side effects of the lack of faith, such as the loss of meaning in life and the violation of human dignity. This speech shows that Leo XIV is ready to address complex social issues.
A politician and diplomat
The reactions of experts at the University of Münster indicate that Leo XIV wants to be a political pope who relies on peace and dialogue. Prof. Dr. Hubert Wolf describes him as diplomatic, pragmatic and a man of the middle. He is reminiscent of the former Pope Leo XIII, who dealt extensively with social issues. Leo XIV wanted to leave a similar mark, but with a less confrontational approach than his predecessor Francis.
Prof. Dr. Regina Elsner highlights that Leo XIV will place a strong focus on social issues such as polarization and injustice. The gap between different social groups requires an inspiring approach to build bridges. Prof. Dr. Thomas Schüller adds that Leo XIV could connect continents and cultures and represent both social-ethical and structurally conservative positions. This duality could play a stabilizing role within Vatican diplomacy.
Outlook and upcoming dates
The new Pope will say the Regina Coeli prayer from St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday at 12 p.m. and an audience with media representatives in the Paul VI Aula on Monday at 10 a.m. hold off. The exact date for the mass at the beginning of the pontificate is currently unclear, but it is expected to take place in the middle or end of next week. There are also still questions about his future place of residence, as his predecessor Francis lived in the Santa Marta guesthouse.
Leo XIV is described as a gentle lion who wants to build bridges both politically and within the church. The focus is clearly on a continuation of Pope Francis' themes, but with a new, more harmonious approach. His human qualities and the positive feedback about him lead us to expect that he will make a valuable contribution to the unity of the Church and to dialogue with the world in the coming years.
How uni-muenster.de According to reports, experts expect his diplomacy and his clear ethical ideas to stabilize the Vatican. Also emphasize sn.at and other observers the relevance of his address, which could set the tone for his pontificate. Leo XIV could thus be able to usher in a new era of internal and external dialogue while meeting the challenges of the modern world.