QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The election of Cardinal Victor Prevost as Pope Leo XIV signals a likely continuation of social justice initiatives and a focus on reaching those on society’s margins, according to church experts.
The new pontiff’s choice of papal name offers insight into his potential priorities, harking back to Pope Leo XIII, who is remembered for landmark social doctrine encyclicals in the late 19th century.
“The reign name usually is an indicator of the new pope’s priorities and concerns,” said Fr. Michelle Joe Zerrudo, Director of Catechetical Ministry of the Diocese of Cubao, in an interview with PIA-NCR. “With the reign name taken by the new pope, it seems that his priorities would involve social issues, inasmuch as Leo XIII is remembered for his encyclicals on the social doctrines of the church.”
Before his election to the papacy, Cardinal Prevost developed a reputation for his immersion in underserved communities and advocacy for those on society’s peripheries, a focus reminiscent of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
“It seems that Leo XIV continues the path paved by Francis: the path of communion, synodality, love for the poor in the peripheries,” Zerrudo said.
The new pope’s approach to evangelization may emphasize personal connection over doctrinal rigidity, according to observers who have followed his career.
“Evangelization is our constant mandate,” said Zerrudo. “Based on the statements of then-Cardinal Prevost, evangelism is more about helping people know and love Jesus more than just teaching doctrine.”
Pope Leo XIV takes leadership of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics at a time when the church continues to navigate challenges ranging from declining membership in traditional strongholds to expanding influence in the Global South.
The coronation Mass for Pope Leo XIV is expected to take place within the coming days, where he will formally receive the papal insignia and deliver his first homily as leader of the Catholic Church. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(Photo: Vatican News)
