Three big clues about new Pope Leo XIV’s papacy in opening speech
Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.
What Pope Leo XIV’s first speech likely tells us about his papacy
- Robert Prevost, an American cardinal with Peruvian citizenship, has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States.
- His choice of name, Leo XIV, signals a focus on social justice, echoing Pope Leo XIII's advocacy for workers' rights.
- In his inaugural address, he emphasised peace, echoing a key theme of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
- He delivered his speech in Italian and Spanish, omitting English and any mention of the US.
- Unlike Pope Francis, he wore traditional papal attire, signaling a potential shift in style while maintaining a focus on peace.