On the evening of May 8, as the white smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel and the world awaited the name of the new leader of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States emerged on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Now officially Pope Leo XIV, his first appearance as pontiff—though brief—provided a revealing glimpse into the values, symbolism, and possible direction of his upcoming papacy.
Though popes traditionally begin their pontificates with modest remarks and a blessing, the clothing choices, body language, and spoken words of Pope Leo XIV conveyed deeper meanings. From sartorial symbolism to linguistic outreach and environmental gestures, here are three important clues to what kind of pope he might be.
1. A Return to Papal Tradition—With Nuanced Messaging
Unlike his predecessor Pope Francis—who notably skipped the traditional red mozzetta (a short cape) and gold-trimmed stole in his first public appearance—Pope Leo XIV chose to wear both. This decision was far from accidental. The mozzetta and stole, long-standing symbols of papal authority and continuity, signal that Pope Leo XIV may be more open to embracing the visual and ceremonial traditions of the papacy that Pope Francis had set aside.
However, it would be simplistic to assume that Leo XIV’s choice was merely conservative. Instead, his calm and humble demeanor suggested that he intends to balance reverence for tradition with the pastoral humility and focus on mercy that defined Pope Francis’ leadership. In doing so, Leo XIV may be seeking to unite factions within the Church—those nostalgic for classical liturgy and those who champion reform.
2. A Multilingual Pope Reflecting the Global Church
From the very first moment he addressed the world, Pope Leo XIV demonstrated the international nature of today’s Catholic Church. He began his greeting in Italian—the official language of Vatican ceremonies—but then smoothly transitioned into Spanish, a language he speaks fluently thanks to his years of pastoral service in Latin America, particularly in Peru.
This bilingual address wasn’t just about communication—it was symbolic. Spanish is the native language of the largest bloc of Catholics globally, especially in Latin America, which holds about 40% of the world’s Catholic population. His use of Spanish served as an intentional gesture of inclusion, underscoring his deep roots in the region and commitment to representing Catholics from across the global South.
Moreover, as a Chicago-born American with extensive Latin American pastoral experience, Pope Leo XIV embodies the Church’s growing demographic shift away from Europe and toward the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
3. Subtle But Clear Commitment to Environmental Values
One subtle but meaningful act during his first appearance was Pope Leo XIV’s decision to wear cassocks that were originally used during the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis. Though easily overlooked, this choice reflects an ongoing concern with sustainability—a value Pope Francis championed through his 2015 encyclical Laudato si’, which called for urgent environmental action.
In reusing garments rather than commissioning new ones, Pope Leo XIV aligned himself—symbolically, at least—with the ideals of stewardship and simplicity. This environmentally conscious gesture hints that the new pope may continue to uphold ecological themes as central to the Church’s mission, reinforcing Catholic responsibility for the planet and the poor who are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation.
What This Means Going Forward
Though it is too early to draw firm conclusions, Pope Leo XIV’s first appearance offers a delicate blend of signals: a return to certain ceremonial traditions, a global and inclusive linguistic approach, and a subtle affirmation of environmental awareness. These clues suggest that his papacy may aim to build bridges—between the past and future, between the Church’s diverse communities, and between spiritual doctrine and modern ethical challenges.
As Catholics and observers around the world wait to see how Pope Leo XIV will shape his leadership in the weeks and months to come, his first words and actions have already set the tone for a potentially unifying and thoughtful papacy rooted in global awareness and spiritual continuity.
