Pope Leo XIV Becomes 277th Pontiff of the Catholic Church
In the two-thousand year history of the Catholic Church, few papacies have been as transformative—or as polarizing—as that of Pope Francis. As the 133 cardinals join together in the secretive halls of the Sistine Chapel, echoes of Pope Francis’ legacy linger, raising questions about continuity, change, and the future of Catholicism. A
As the first Jesuit pope and first pope from the Americas, Francis’ tenure broke centuries-old traditions and redefined the global image of Catholicism. His emphasis on social justice and institutional reform resurrected support for the Catholic Church after years of criticism and controversy.
After 12 years of unprecedented progressivism, many wonder how Pope Francis’ legacy will influence the future of Catholicism. Reflecting on his ideals, members of the Riverdale community were pleased with his efforts to reach out to marginalized communities. Junior Alice Goldberg, a practicing Catholic, was happy to see his message of uplifting the poor reflected in her own church. Additionally, junior Alex Atkinson, who considers himself an atheist, appreciated enjoyed seeing the church’s progressiveness regarding the LGBTQ+ community.
The papal conclave—the body that elects the new pope—is a committee of all cardinals under the age of 80. They all swear an oath of secrecy and vote until a two-thirds supermajority is reached. At that point, a pope is chosen and the famed white smoke spews from the Sistine Chapel. At the papal conclave in 2013, Pope Francis’ election came unexpectedly, taking only five ballots to choose him. Similarly, Pope Leo XIV’s election came after only four ballots. Both were considered “long shots,” not appearing on any lists of promising candidates.
Pope Leo XIV, born and raised in Chicago, is the first pope from North America, and the eighth pope from the mendicant Order of St. Augustine. He has spent most of his time abroad, engaged in missionary work in Peru. He was made a cardinal in 2023 by Pope Francis.
Considering the political turmoil in the United States, an American pope seemed unlikely. When asked if current global issues in the world might have influenced Pope Leo XIV’s election, math teacher Bill Argenta, who was baptized and practiced in his twenties but has since fallen away from the church due to its controversies, commented, “Somebody had said there’d never be an American pope until the decline of the American economy or of American power,” meaning the Catholic Church could be suggesting that “America’s not as strong as they used to be.” Atkinson provided a similar response, saying, “The thought was: we don’t want to give the Americans the Pope because the Americans already have everything.” Atkinson named the Trump administration as a factor of Pope Leo XIV’s election, highlighting that an American Pope will be able to speak to Catholics in America, especially regarding the Trump administration’s treatment of migrants. Whereas it was evident that global issues impacted the conclave, Goldberg also noted that she believes the conclave was “spiritually guided” and that it is “divine guidance that chooses the next Pope.” She further stated that the cardinals’ choice of Pope Leo XIV was inspired by God.
While Pope Leo XIV has shown to be a moderating voice in the Catholic church, sharing views with Pope Francis on migration, environmentalism, and social justice, it is unknown how he will address the LGBTQ+ community and role of women in the church. He has already shown a return to tradition, donning the traditional papal attire in his first appearance rather than the modest white garb worn by Pope Francis. Nonetheless, members of the Riverdale community expressed their hope for the future and what values they considered particularly important to continue: unity, stability, acceptance, denouncement of fascism, and the uplifting of everyone. Mr. Argenta shared that he’d “like to see the church [be] there to help people,” and hopes Pope Leo XIV will follow in Pope Francis’ footsteps.
