Temitayo Olumofe
On a bright Roman Sunday, the city’s ancient stones echoed with both tradition and hope. Pilgrims, priests, and ordinary Romans gathered as Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, completed the final steps of his inauguration. His words were humble: “I offer you the little that I have and am.” Yet, for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, his arrival signals continuity and change at a time of immense challenge and opportunity.
On May 25, 2025, Pope Leo XIV formally declared himself “Roman,” cementing his role as the Bishop of Rome in a ceremony that combined centuries-old rituals with a sense of new beginnings. “By special title, today I can say that for you and with you I am Roman,” he proclaimed, echoing the words of St. Augustine: “With you I am Christian, and for you, bishop.”
This declaration came during a Holy Jubilee year, a rare event that occurs every 25 years and draws millions of pilgrims to Rome. The city, after two years of intense preparations, expects to welcome up to 30 million visitors in 2025. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri greeted the Pope at City Hall, highlighting the significance of his election coinciding with this sacred occasion.
Pope Leo XIV’s assumption of the four major papal basilicas—St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Peter’s—completed the traditional rites of a new pontiff. These ceremonies, deeply rooted in history, present the pope to the people of Rome and the universal Church as their spiritual leader.
A Pastoral Approach Rooted in Humility
From his first homily at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, Pope Leo XIV set a tone of humility and openness. “We must listen to others, and above all, to the voice of God,” he told the faithful, emphasizing the Church’s maternal qualities of tenderness, sacrifice, and attentive listening. He quoted Pope Francis, highlighting the Church’s mission to anticipate and respond to the needs of its people, often before they are even spoken.
“These are qualities we hope will continue to grow within the People of God everywhere—and here as well, in our great diocesan family: among the faithful, among the pastors, and, above all, within myself.”
At 69, Pope Leo XIV—formerly Robert Prevost—brings a unique background. Born in the United States and holding dual citizenship with Peru, he spent decades as a missionary and bishop in northern Peru. There, he lived among the poor, gaining first-hand insight into the struggles of marginalized communities. This experience shapes his priorities: “The poor and outcast are a priority for the Church,” he has said, echoing his predecessor’s focus on social justice.
His Augustinian roots are evident in his frequent quotations from St. Augustine, including his papal motto, “In Illo uno unum” (“In the One, we are one”). This spiritual heritage underlines his vision of unity and solidarity within the Church.
Pope Leo XIV inherits a Church facing internal divisions over issues such as the inclusion of LGBT Catholics, the role of women, and the treatment of divorced and remarried members. He has called for the Church to be a “beacon illuminating the nights of this world,” signaling his intent to address these debates with compassion and wisdom.
Migration remains one of the defining issues of his pontificate. With a record 117 million displaced people worldwide and rising numbers of migrant deaths, Pope Leo XIV’s deep empathy for migrants is rooted in his missionary work in Peru. He is seen as well-positioned to advocate for the dignity and rights of migrants and refugees, continuing Pope Francis’ fight against the “globalization of indifference”.
However, he faces a world where wealthy nations are increasingly closing their borders, and international support for the displaced is dwindling. The challenge will be to keep the plight of migrants at the forefront of the Church’s mission and global conscience.
One of the thorniest foreign policy challenges for Pope Leo XIV is the relationship with China. In his first public remarks on the issue, he asked for prayers for Chinese Catholics, emphasizing their communion with the universal Church. “Across churches and shrines in China and around the globe, prayers ascended to God as a demonstration of solicitude and affection for Chinese Catholics and their communion with the universal church,” he said.
Ties between the Vatican and Beijing remain sensitive, especially after a controversial 2018 agreement on the appointment of bishops. Pope Leo XIV’s approach will likely be watched closely by Catholics in China and governments worldwide.
The new pope also faces a significant budget deficit in the Vatican’s finances. With the demands of running a global institution and the added pressures of the Holy Year, he must balance spiritual leadership with practical administration. Given the scale of his responsibilities, he is expected to delegate the day-to-day governance of the Diocese of Rome to a vicar, focusing his attention on the universal Church.
Pope Leo XIV follows Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at age 88. Francis was the first Latin American pope and is remembered for emphasizing mercy, environmental stewardship, and outreach to the poor. Leo XIV’s early statements and actions suggest a commitment to continue this legacy, particularly in his focus on the marginalized and his calls for unity and dialogue.
Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration has been marked by humility and a sense of shared journey. “I offer you the little that I have and am,” he told the people of Rome, inviting them to walk together in faith and service. He has called on the Church to be “the Mother of all Churches,” embracing its role as a source of compassion and hope for the world.
His words to the faithful reflect both the weight of his office and his reliance on the support of the community: “I want to listen to you in order to learn, understand, and decide things together.” This collaborative spirit may prove essential as he navigates the complex challenges ahead.
As the first American-born and Augustinian pope, Leo XIV embodies a bridge between continents and traditions. His life among the poor in Peru, his scholarly grounding in Church history, and his commitment to dialogue position him to address the needs of a rapidly changing global Church.
The tasks before him are daunting: healing divisions, advocating for the vulnerable, managing a vast institution, and engaging with world powers. Yet, his early words and actions have inspired hope among Catholics and observers alike.
As Rome prepares for the influx of millions of pilgrims during the Holy Year, and as the Church faces internal and external trials, Pope Leo XIV’s leadership will be tested. But his message is clear: unity, humility, and a willingness to listen will guide his papacy.
