Pope Leo XIV: What the church, the world could expect from first American pope

On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church welcomed its first American pope, Leo XIV, as white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost. At 67, the former Chicago-born cardinal brings a fresh perspective to the Vatican, succeeding Pope Francis, whose progressive reforms set a bold precedent. With an estimated 1.3 billion Catholics watching and a world facing climate crises, migration challenges, and different cultural perspective, expectations are high for Leo XIV’s papacy. This piece is set to explore what the Catholic Church and the global community can anticipate from this historic pontiff.

What Pope Leo XIV could do for the Church

Leo XIV’s election signals continuity with Francis’s legacy of inclusivity, known for his pastoral approach, Prevost has advocated for a more stronger stance on LGBTQ+ issues, having disproved blessings for same-sex marriages as a cardinal. The Church can expect him to outlaw same-sex marriage which he has repeatedly said is against the doctrine of the church and the gospel.

More also, cases of accountability of sexual abuse within the church will be expected to be handled critically under his papacy. However, doctrinal limits may prevent major changes like ordaining women priests. He is also likely to expand Francis’s synodal process, giving laypeople, especially women, a stronger voice in administration of the church.

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What the global community could gain from Pope Leo XIV papacy

For the world, Leo XIV’s American background positions him to influence global powers, particularly on climate change. Following Francis’s Laudato Si,’ he is expected to issue an encyclical urging sustainable policies, leveraging his American citizenship to pressure high-emission nations. On migration, his past support for immigrant communities suggests he will advocate for compassionate policies, potentially addressing border crisis in regions like the US-Mexico directly, as Francis did with his visits to refugee camps.

Challenges and hope

Despite his progressive stance, Leo XIV will face resistance from conservative factions within the Church, especially on issues like LGBTQ+ inclusion and clerical celibacy. However, his diplomatic skills and focus on unity may help bridge geopolitical divides. For the world, his papacy offers hope for a moral voice that tackles inequality, environmental degradation, and social justice, continuing Francis’s mission to make the Church a global force for good.