Shortly after addressing the gathered crowds from the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square on Thursday evening, Pope Leo XIV returned to the Sant’Uffizio Palace, where he has resided for the past two months.
A jubilant group of staff and former colleagues welcomed him, eager to extend their hands in congratulations.A young girl presented him with a Bible, requesting that he bless and sign it. “Certainly, but I must test my new signature,” Pope Leo grinned. “The previous model has become obsolete.”
Just hours before his election as Pope, he was still known as Robert Francis Prevost. With the adoption of the name Leo XIV, a transformative chapter commenced for the 69-year-old cardinal from Chicago.
Details regarding Pope Leo’s approach to leading the Catholic Church remain limited. In the coming days and weeks, observers will scrutinise every subtle indication, from his clothing to his selection of residence, for insights into his leadership style.
As he emerged onto the balcony, the crowd’s gaze intensified, eager to see the attire he had selected for his inaugural appearance.
Glinting in the evening light, the gold cross around his neck marked a notable departure from the simplicity of his predecessor’s silver pendant. The addition of the embroidered stole and red mozzetta further solidified this impression.
On Friday morning, the homily delivered to cardinals in the Sistine Chapel was notably scripted, a departure from the more spontaneous style of his predecessor. Catholic writer and commentator Austen Ivereigh noted that this choice suggests that “Leo will be more closely aligned to tradition than Francis was.”
In the coming days and weeks, Pope Leo will have multiple opportunities to outline his pontificate’s key priorities.
He is scheduled to meet with the media on Monday and preside over a solemn inaugural mass in St. Peter’s Square on 18 May.
During the mass, he will deliver a homily in front of a gathering that includes numerous heads of state and dignitaries.
During his inaugural homily in 2013, Pope Francis urged individuals in positions of responsibility across economic, political, and social spheres to act as “protectors of creation, of God’s plan… of one another and of the environment.”
This moment may offer insights into the most critical issues to Pope Leo.
The new Pope’s selection of living arrangements is poised to carry considerable importance.
Francis opted for a life of simplicity by living in the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse, a decision that was viewed as groundbreaking. In contrast, Leo may choose to align with the tradition of nearly all his predecessors by living in the opulent Apostolic Palace.
“He was elected less than a day ago; it’s important to allow him time to make his decisions,” Vatican sources cited by Italian media stated.
Ivereigh emphasised the significance of these choices.
“In the coming days, we can expect to uncover additional insights as the inaugural week of the pontificate unfolds, revealing new dimensions at every turn.”
Amid uncertainty regarding his future as Leo XIV, remnants of the Pope’s previous life as Robert Prevost are beginning to surface globally.
This phenomenon is particularly evident in his hometown of Chicago and in Peru, the country he embraced after becoming a citizen in 2015.
A striking image captures him receiving a large handmade birthday card inscribed in Spanish, set against a backdrop of cakes and balloons.
A video capturing his departure from Peru to Rome, in which he expresses his fondness for the “joy” of Peru and beloved local dishes such as ceviche, has resonated positively with users across South American social media platforms.
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte stated, “The pope is Peruvian; God loves Peru.”
American tourists strolling through St. Peter’s Square the day after the election exhibited a more subdued demeanour, appearing somewhat overwhelmed by the announcement that the new Pope hails from the United States.
“To be honest, I’m still surprised they chose an American,” remarked Kerry, a Chicagoan currently in Rome for her honeymoon.
She acknowledged her limited knowledge about the new Pope but expressed her delight at rumours suggesting he supports the White Sox baseball team.
When asked about her thoughts on Pope Leo’s current state, she chuckled and remarked, “He must be feeling quite overwhelmed; I imagine he hasn’t slept a wink!”
Joseph, her husband, concurred, stating, “Upon being elected Pope, one arrives here as a cardinal for the conclave, but thereafter, nothing returns to its former state.”
He expressed that the new Pope appears to embody qualities of confidence, prayer, and humility.
“There is a hope that he will demonstrate the impact of embodying the principles of faith.”
The newlyweds captured a moment with the day’s newspapers before strolling into St Peter’s Square, basking in the warmth of the spring sunshine.
