Pope Leo XIV Commits to Modernizing the Church in the Spirit of Francis

Fri Sep 19 2025 12:24:36 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In his inaugural address, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV pledges to uphold and expand upon the legacy of Pope Francis, emphasizing a more inclusive and modern approach to the Catholic Church.

In a pivotal first address to the College of Cardinals, Pope Leo XIV articulated his vision for the future of the Catholic Church, reaffirming his commitment to the principles laid down by his predecessor, Pope Francis. Highlighting the importance of modernization and community outreach within the Church, Leo cited the influential 2013 document "Evangelii Gaudium," which defines key objectives such as fostering collegiality, practicing loving care for the marginalized, and engaging in meaningful dialogue with contemporary society.

Leo drew parallels between the social teachings of his namesake, Pope Leo XIII, and the pressing challenges of today, particularly in the wake of developments in artificial intelligence. He stressed that these advancements would bring forth new moral dilemmas regarding human dignity, justice, and labor. The new pope encouraged the Church to extend its social teachings as a guide in navigating these issues.

In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV showcased his deep respect for Pope Francis, recognizing him as a "humble servant" dedicated to the teachings of the Church. The cardinal attendees responded positively, noting Leo's emphasis on continuity with Francis' papacy and expressing eagerness to address key concerns, particularly in the formation of clergy. As he mingled with cardinals after the address, Leo's approachable nature was met with warm reception, highlighting a promising start to his papacy.