Habemus Papam

Leo XIV, an Augustinian missionary from the United States, with extensive experience in the North and the South, and a classmate in Rome of Miguel Ángel Sánchez, the great general secretary of the General Commission for Justice and Peace of Spain.

The election of the North American Augustinian missionary, now known as Leo XIV, has generated a wave of expectation and analysis within and outside the Catholic Church. His origins, his career, and the initial statements following his election offer a glimpse into the direction his pontificate could take, connecting with key historical figures in the life of the Church and the priorities of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

The choice of the name "Leo XIV" does not seem accidental. It immediately evokes the figure of Leo XIII, whose pontificate at the end of the 19th century marked a milestone with the publication of the encyclical Rerum Novarum, the cornerstone of the Church's social doctrine in the contemporary age. This suggests a possible continuity or renewed emphasis on social justice, the defense of the world of work, the commitment to decent work in line with Saint John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, as well as the search for solutions to the inequalities of today's world.

Furthermore, the name refers to Leo I the Great, a fifth-century pope known for his courage in negotiating with Attila, the leader of the Huns, which succeeded in preserving peace for Rome. This historical connection could be interpreted as the new pontiff's desire to be a bridge-builder and peacemaker in a world marked by conflict.

In his first words from the balcony of St. Peter's, Leo XIV focused his message on peace, describing it as "unarmed and disarming." This vision of peace, which emphasizes the need for disarmament, is grounded in justice. It resonates with contemporary concerns about violence, armed conflict, and the urgency of building more equitable societies. His emphasis on peace expresses a profound understanding that true peace is not merely the absence of war, but the fruit of just and equitable relationships between and within nations.

Another crucial aspect of his opening speech was his reference to synodality. Elected by the College of Cardinals, guided by the Holy Spirit, to continue the paths trodden by Pope Francis, Leo XIV signals a desire to pursue a more participatory Church, where mutual listening and communal discernment are fundamental. This mention of synodality fuels hope that the initiatives and processes promoted by Francis, such as the reform of the Roman Curia and the greater inclusion of voices from the periphery, will continue. The expectation that Leo XIV will continue to support popular movements, championing decent work and human rights, respect for migration, the integration of the marginalized, disarmament, justice, and peace, is based on this promise of continuity.

Leo XIV's episcopal motto, "In illo uno unum" ("In that one, one"), offers an additional key to understanding his vision. This Latin phrase underscores the importance of unity in diversity. This is the origin of "Link Up for Justice" and reinforces the commitment to joint action and collaboration to address our world's global challenges. On a planet marked by fragmentation and polarization, this motto resonates as a call to reconciliation and the building of bonds of solidarity.

His experience as an Augustinian religious also shapes his profile. Community life is a central aspect of religious life. Furthermore, as a follower of Saint Augustine of Hippo, the great father of the Western Church, a profound thinker who developed the depth of human personality, we can expect from Leo XIV a sensitivity to the complexities of human experience and an understanding of the importance of the interior life and personal reflection on the journey of faith.

In short, the election of Leo XIV, a missionary with a profound admiration for Pope Francis, opens a new chapter for the Catholic Church. His name evokes a legacy of social justice and the pursuit of peace; his opening words emphasize the need for unarmed peace and the continuity of the synodal journey; and his episcopal motto underscores the importance of unity in diversity. We look forward with the utmost interest and desire to share how this new pontiff will guide the Church in the pursuit of unity, justice, and peace in the years to come.

General Commission for Justice and Peace