A Historic Election Opens a New Page in the Vatican
An-Nahar, Lebanon, May 9
In a pivotal moment in the history of the Catholic Church, the College of Cardinals elected American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope, who chose the name Leo XIV—a symbolic nod to continuity in the church’s reform movement. This swift election, concluded in less than 48 hours, sends a clear message: the cardinals sought a universal figure with theological depth, pastoral experience, and the capacity to engage with a world in flux. Observers viewed the speed of the conclave as a promising sign amid the church’s internal divisions, the declining Catholic presence in Europe, and the rise of complex moral and political crises. Prevost’s election reflects the desire to carry forward Pope Francis’ reformist agenda, tempered with a spirit of balance, reflection, and open dialogue.
Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Augustinian Order, known for its communal ethos and a spiritual tradition rooted in the teachings of St. Augustine, who championed humility, the integration of reason and faith, and the pursuit of truth. This foundation has shaped Leo XIV’s inclination toward moderation, reconciliation, and unity within the church’s diverse global community.
His years of service in Peru further deepened this orientation. For more than 15 years, he served as bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo, a region plagued by poverty and marginalization. There, he encountered liberation theology—often called “red theology” for its Marxist undertones—which emerged in Latin America in the 1960s to reinterpret the Gospel through the lens of the poor and oppressed. Though not a prominent advocate of the movement, which faced strong Vatican resistance, Prevost’s proximity to it strengthened his conviction that the Gospel is inseparable from justice. This conviction is visible in his advocacy on issues such as immigration, peace, and economic fairness. He believes the church must stand as a voice for the voiceless, not merely a spiritual entity removed from human suffering.
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As a reformer, Pope Leo XIV echoes the spirit of Pope Francis but is more pragmatic and systematic, drawing on his academic background in mathematics, canon law, philosophy, and theology to shape thoughtful and impactful reforms, rather than symbolic or polarizing ones. On immigration, he has consistently defended migrants, especially those from Latin America, viewing them as vital members of the church. He has condemned wars as expressions of “nihilistic” violence and called on the church to be an active agent of peace through justice.
While maintaining traditional church doctrine on LGBT issues, he has adopted a more compassionate, inclusive tone. Regarding the ordination of women, he does not endorse priesthood for women but strongly supports expanding their roles in church governance, particularly in education and pastoral leadership.
As the first American pope, Leo XIV must also contend with the shifting political climate in the United States, especially with Donald Trump’s reemergence as a political force. Prevost understands the polarized nature of American society and has voiced opposition to exclusionary and discriminatory policies, especially toward immigrants and refugees. However, he is unlikely to pursue open confrontation with the Trump administration, instead favoring diplomacy, quiet influence, and constructive dialogue.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a historic shift: he is the first American to ascend to the papacy, symbolizing the church’s evolving universality, and he is a moderate reformer poised to harmonize the church’s ancient traditions with the demands of the modern age. In a world of uncertainty and upheaval, Leo XIV arrives as a thoughtful and spiritually grounded leader. The question now is whether he can bridge divisions within the church and guide the Vatican through the storms of politics, identity, and change. The future is near.
Antoine Khalil Aoun (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
