Pope Leo XIV held his first formal meeting with cardinals in the Vatican on Saturday, where he expressed his intention to continue the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis. He highlighted artificial intelligence as a significant challenge affecting human dignity and the working population.
Born as Robert Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV was elected on Thursday, becoming the first pope born in the United States. He chose his papal name to honor Pope Leo XIII, known for addressing social issues during the industrial revolution.
In his address to the cardinals, Pope Leo emphasized the importance of Catholic social teaching in response to the challenges posed by the new industrial revolution and advancements in artificial intelligence. He pledged to follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis by prioritizing social justice and service.
During the meeting, Pope Leo XIV urged the cardinals to embrace the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and emphasized the need for a missionary focus, dialogue with the contemporary world, and care for the marginalized.
Expressing humility and fraternity, Pope Leo acknowledged the support of the cardinals in carrying out his responsibilities and expressed gratitude to key figures involved in the papal transition.
Cardinal Désiré Tsarahazana of Madagascar praised the new pope, stating that he received over 100 votes during the recent selection process. The cardinal emphasized the importance of making the church more collegial during a successful meeting. Following discussions with fellow cardinals, Pope Leo visited the Madonna del Buon Consiglio sanctuary near Rome, a significant location for the pontiff who hails from the Augustinian religious order. The sanctuary is associated with his namesake, Leo XIII, who held a deep devotion to Mary as “Our Lady of Good Counsel.” Pope Leo expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to visit the sanctuary early in his papacy and carry out his mission as the Successor of Peter. He will address the crowds from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for a second time on Sunday, with an anticipated 150,000 people expected to gather in Rome. The pope’s official installation Mass is scheduled for Sunday, May 18.
