American cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday (8), choosing the name of Pope Leo XIV. According to the International Analyst at CNN Lourival Sant’Anna during the CNN Prime Time This Thursday, the choice reflects a search for balance between the church’s traditionalist and reformist wings, in a moment of internal tensions.
Leo XIV presents a more conservative view than its predecessor, Francisco, in moral issues such as homosexuality, divorce and family planning. However, it maintains a reformist stance on social themes, following the footsteps of Leo XIII, author of the encyclical “Rerum Novarum” on the dignity of work.
International experience and social concern
The new pontiff brings with it a vast international experience, having worked for 20 years with poor communities in Peru. His experience in Latin America shaped his view on social and economic issues, reflecting a concern with the excluded and marginalized.
In addition to English, Leo XIV speaks Spanish, French and Portuguese, demonstrating an opening for intercultural dialogue. His Augustinian formation places friendship as a central value, seeking to approach the faithful and promote understanding between different cultures.
Management and conciliation challenges
As former responsible for the appointment and dismissal of bishops, Leo XIV has a deep knowledge of the ecclesiastical structure. This experience will be crucial to facing church management challenges, including financial issues and corruption cases.
The election of Leo XIV represents an attempt to conciliate between the “rich world” and the “global south” as well as between the conservative and progressive wings of the church. Its profile seeks to attract conservatives back to dialogue, while maintaining reforms on the social issue initiated by their predecessor.
The pontificate of Leo XIV begins at a crucial moment for the Catholic Church, which seeks renewal and unity in the midst of contemporary challenges. The Catholic community and the world expect expectation as the new Pope will lead the church in this period of global transformations.
This content was originally published under analysis: Leo XIV is more conservative than Francisco on moral issues on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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