That’s why Pope Leo XIV deserves immense credit for bravely returning to the spirit his predecessor. He now has the serious and daunting task of succeeding Pope Leo XIII, whose papacy started in 1878. The new pontiff’s approach to contemporary issues marks a significant moment in the Catholic Church, particularly as he confronts the challenges posed by rising populist sentiments, including those from the Maga right. He delivered the first mass as pope in St. Peter’s Square, drawing a quarter-million people. This yearly event has quickly become another sign of a papacy that is provoking and attracting just as much attention.
Pope Leo XIII dealt with the most critical issues of his day directly. Both against the excesses of laissez-faire economics on one hand and the emerging Marxist, socialist movements that were developing during the Industrial Revolution. In his encyclical “Rerum Novarum,” published in 1891, he courageously condemned the avarice that placed profit above the dignity of humanity. He was a fervent champion of workers’ rights, order of social solidarity, and proponent of a living wage. His teachings resonate strongly with Pope Leo XIV, who aims to uphold these values while navigating today’s complex social landscape.
Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV has already been caricatured by some conservative factions as a continuity pontiff, echoing the policies and philosophies of Pope Francis. Critics, such as Laura Loomer, have described him as “anti-Trump, anti-Maga, pro-open Borders, and a total Marxist.” These accusations reflect the tension between traditional Catholic teachings on social justice and the rising nationalist sentiments within certain political groups.
Pope Leo XIV has publicly acknowledged that migration is a significant issue worldwide, stating, “is a huge problem, and it’s a problem worldwide.” This perspective aligns with Pope Leo XIII’s warnings about the dangers of extreme wealth inequality and the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. During his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of recognizing every individual’s inherent dignity: “Every one of us, whether we were born in the United States of America or on the North Pole, we are all given the gift of being created in the image and likeness of God, and the day we forget that is the day we forget who we are.”
The challenges that Pope Leo XIV would face today are further amplified by the need for drama in modern global affairs. He highlighted these concerns, stating that our current age is marked by “wars, climate change, growing inequalities, forced and contested migration, stigmatised poverty, disruptive technological innovations, job insecurity and precarious labour rights.” This admission is a testament that he wants to address spiritual issues. It exemplifies his growing willingness to tackle urgent social challenges affecting millions across the planet.
During his papacy, Pope Leo XIII identified a dangerous idolatry of the state and a lack of respect for individual autonomy within early communist movements. Through his theological perspective, he provided a basis for subsequent popes to explore socio-political debates. It’s a tough test for Pope Leo XIV. Aside from the insurmountable weight of a complicated historical legacy, he faces a contemporary political landscape that increasingly puts right-wing ideologies at odds with Catholic doctrine.
Marco Rubio and JD Vance snuggling Pope Leo XIV immediately after his first mass. This first meeting points to an emerging relationship between political leaders and religious figures. As these conversations develop, keep a watchful eye on how they might affect change. They have the potential to truly influence the Church’s position on important societal matters.