• 19 May, 2025
• FAITH MIMDOO KEGH
• No comment

Enter the Pontiff of Peace: Pope Leo XIV Begins His Papacy.

Pope Leo XIV officially commenced his papacy on May 18 with an inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. The event drew global leaders, including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, symbolizing a shared commitment to peace amidst global divisions. As the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church, Leo has made it clear that his tenure will prioritize promoting global peace and unity.

From the moment of his election on May 8, the pope has consistently emphasized peace. His first message to the public was, “Peace be with all of you,” setting the tone for his mission. In meetings with leaders of Eastern Catholic Churches—many from conflict regions such as Ukraine and the Middle East—he reiterated his readiness to help reconcile adversaries through dialogue, urging diplomacy over warfare.

On his first Sunday as pope, Leo called for peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. He also welcomed the recent fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan. His appeal resonated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who reportedly spoke with the pope shortly after his election. Zelensky expressed appreciation for the pope’s willingness to mediate peace talks and confirmed Ukraine’s openness to negotiations. However, the likelihood of Russian President Vladimir Putin participating remains uncertain due to an outstanding arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, which may limit his international travel.

Pope Leo’s rise surprised many. Formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the U.S., he emerged as a consensus candidate during the conclave, securing the required two-thirds majority after four rounds of voting. Initially not seen as a frontrunner, he gained momentum after frontrunner Cardinal Pietro Parolin withdrew and endorsed him. Other major contenders, including Cardinals from Asia and Africa, were unable to build enough support.

Prevost, born in Chicago and naturalized in Peru where he served for two decades, drew backing from a wide spectrum of cardinals across the Americas and Europe. Italian newspaper *La Repubblica* noted his appeal across ideological and regional lines, describing him as a collaborative leader suited to a more collegial papacy.

Appointed cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, Leo previously headed the Dicastery for Bishops. Considered centrist overall, he holds progressive views on social inclusion but is doctrinally conservative on some issues, such as opposing the ordination of women as deacons.

As the first American pope, Leo faces the challenge of navigating global leadership at a time when the U.S. political climate, under President Donald Trump, is marked by nationalism and unilateralism. Unlike Trump’s “America First” approach, Leo projects a global vision of unity and compassion. His background, multilingual skills, and close ties to Latin America reflect his broader worldview. Notably, he chose not to speak English in his first address as pope, instead using Italian and Spanish.

Leo’s leadership comes at a critical moment for the Catholic Church, which must decide whether to continue Pope Francis’ progressive reforms or shift back to conservatism. His supporters describe him as a moderate voice capable of maintaining tradition while fostering inclusiveness.

In a world increasingly divided, Pope Leo XIV offers a vision of reconciliation and peace, contrasting sharply with the prevailing geopolitical climate. How effectively he can mediate global conflicts and steer the Church remains to be seen—but his early steps suggest a determined commitment to healing a fractured world.

FAITH MIMDOO KEGH

Manager – Oversees the daily operations, editorial planning, and strategic direction of the platform. A graduate with a solid academic foundation in media and communication, Faith brings a wealth of experience to the TokinPoint.

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