Pope Leo XIV Calls on Cardinals to Uphold Pope Francis' Reformist Legacy in First Address

On May 10, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, delivered his first address to the College of Cardinals, urging them to uphold the reformist legacy of Pope Francis, who died on April 21. The first American-born pope emphasized continuity, dialogue, and service, signaling a commitment to a more inclusive Church. Leo XIV, elected on May 8, highlighted the importance of the Second Vatican Council's reforms and opened the floor for discussion, reflecting his synodal approach. His papacy aims to continue the reforms initiated by Francis and address contemporary challenges.

A Historic Transition

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on May 8 as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. A 69-year-old Chicago native and dual citizen of Peru, Leo XIV brings decades of missionary experience in Latin America and recent service in the Vatican to his new role. His election followed the death of Pope Francis, who led the Church for 12 years and died at age 88 after suffering a stroke.

In his inaugural address to the cardinals, Leo XIV paid tribute to Francis, describing him as a model of “complete dedication to service” and a leader who championed “courageous and trusting dialogue with the contemporary world.” The new pope urged the cardinals to “take up this precious legacy and continue on the journey,” signaling a clear intention to maintain the trajectory set by his predecessor.

Embracing Synodality and Reform

Pope Francis’ papacy was marked by a push toward synodality—a model of Church governance that emphasizes listening, consultation, and shared decision-making. While Francis faced criticism from some conservative quarters for his perceived authoritarianism, particularly on issues such as Eucharistic access for remarried Catholics and blessings for same-sex couples, he also launched a global synodal process in 2022. This two-year consultation culminated in a 2024 synod in Rome, where topics such as clerical sexual abuse, the role of women, and Church governance were discussed.

Leo XIV affirmed his commitment to this synodal approach. In a departure from traditional papal meetings, he opened the floor to comments and concerns from the cardinals after delivering his prepared remarks. Irish Cardinal Sean Brady noted that the pope “listened very carefully,” while Spanish Cardinal Aquilino Bocos Merino described the atmosphere as “very cordial and communal.”

Honoring the Second Vatican Council

Leo XIV also emphasized the importance of the Second Vatican Council’s reforms, which reshaped the Church in the 1960s by promoting liturgical changes, interfaith dialogue, and engagement with the modern world. He called on the cardinals to “renew together our complete commitment” to these reforms, highlighting their continued relevance in addressing contemporary challenges.

The pope’s choice of name further underscored his priorities. He explained that he selected “Leo” in part to honor Pope Leo XIII, who led the Church during the industrial revolution and was known for his advocacy of workers’ rights and social justice. Drawing a parallel to today’s technological upheavals, Leo XIV warned that artificial intelligence poses “new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice, and labor.”

A Global Church in Dialogue

The meeting also touched on geopolitical and ecclesial issues, including the Vatican’s controversial 2018 agreement with China on the appointment of bishops. Czech Cardinal Dominik Duka defended the deal, likening it to Cold War-era diplomacy aimed at maintaining dialogue in regions where the Church faces repression.

Leo XIV’s international background and missionary experience in Peru were noted by Church leaders as assets in navigating such global complexities. The Peruvian bishops praised his “closeness, timely words, and commitment to the most in need,” while Archbishop Peter Chung of Seoul expressed hope that the new pope would guide the Church with “humility and love, truth and justice.”

Reactions from Church Leadership

Reactions to Pope Leo XIV’s address and early actions have been largely positive. Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, welcomed the election of an American pope but emphasized that Leo now “belongs to all Catholics and to all people of good will.” He praised the pope’s early calls for “peace, unity, and missionary activity.”

Caritas Internationalis, the Church’s global humanitarian arm, expressed its readiness to work with the new pontiff, citing his concern for “peace, solidarity, dialogue, and charity.” From war-torn Ukraine, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk described Leo’s first words—“Peace be with you”—as a “special divine blessing” for a suffering people.

A Papacy Rooted in Listening

While Pope Leo XIV’s long-term direction remains to be seen, his first steps suggest a papacy rooted in listening, continuity, and pastoral attentiveness. His decision to open dialogue with the cardinals and his reaffirmation of Francis’ reformist vision indicate a desire to lead not by decree, but through consensus and shared mission.

As the Church continues to grapple with internal tensions and external challenges, Leo XIV’s call to “continue on the journey” offers a clear message: the work of reform is not yet finished, and the path forward lies in unity, dialogue, and faithful service.

References

• In new remarks, Pope Leo XIV says he wants to uphold Francis' 'precious legacy'
• Pope Leo XIV Calls for Continuation of Francis' Legacy | Entertainment
• Pope Leo XIV faces limits on changing the Catholic Church − but Francis made reforms that set the stage for larger changes
• The main challenges awaiting Pope Leo XIV
• Catholic leaders react to election of Pope Leo XIV - Vatican News
• Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican says
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• Pope Leo's stance on key issues, from climate change to LGBTQ+ rights to U.S. politics
• Full text of Pope Leo XIV’s address to College of Cardinals