Both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV emphasised a Church of Peace, Justice, Synodality, and Mission
PANAJI
On May 8, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first public address following his election as Supreme Pontiff. He shared a powerful vision for the Church—one of peace, Synodality, missionary zeal that build bridges and closeness to the poor.
His words clearly echoed the teachings of Pope Francis, whose life and ministry called the Church to renewal through justice, mercy, and synodality.
Pope Leo’s message builds on the foundation laid by Pope Francis through his key documents: Evangelii Gaudium, Laudato Si’, Fratelli Tutti, Gaudete et Exsultate, and others. Together, these voices call the Church to be a light in the world.
A Church of Christ’s Peace
Pope Leo opened with the greeting, “Peace be with you,” echoing the Risen Lord. He spoke of a peace that “disarms, humbles, and preserves.”
Pope Francis, in Fratelli Tutti (para 225), wrote: “In many parts of the world, there is a need for paths of peace to heal open wounds. There is also a need for peacemakers, men and women prepared to work boldly and creatively to initiate processes of healing and renewed encounter”.
Both Popes rejected power as the foundation of peace. They called the Church to live out a peace rooted in the Gospel, in word and witness.
A Missionary Church, bold and joyful
Pope Leo declared, “We are disciples of Christ… the world needs His light.” He called every Christian to mission.
Pope Francis affirmed in Evangelii Gaudium (Para 15): “Missionary outreach is paradigmatic for all the Church’s activity.”
Both Popes taught that mission is not optional or for a few—it is the very identity of the Church.
A Synodal Church that walks together
Pope Leo spoke of “walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness.” This continues the path Pope Francis encouraged—of listening and walking together.
As Pope Francis said in Episcopalis Communio: “A synodal Church is a listening Church.”
Both leaders felt that synodal Church listens to the Spirit and to one another, moving away from isolation and clericalism.
A Church that builds bridges
Pope Leo urged the Church to “build bridges with dialogue and encounter.” He called for unity, not division.
Pope Francis, in Fratelli Tutti (para 215), said: “Life, for all its confrontations, is the art of encounter.”
Both leaders envisioned a Church that engages the world with openness and love.
A Church Close to the Poor
Pope Leo emphasised closeness to those who suffer. This was central to Pope Francis’ ministry—from the slums to the margins.
Pope Francis wrote in Evangelii Gaudium (Para 48): “The poor are the privileged recipients of the Gospel.”
The Church, they insisted, must be near the wounded and broken, like a field hospital bringing healing.
A Marian Church
Pope Leo invoked Our Lady of Pompei and prayed the Hail Mary with the people, saying, “Mary always wants to walk with us.”
Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium (para 286), wrote: “She is the missionary who draws near to us and accompanies us throughout life.”
For both Popes, Mary is not distant—she is a companion and guide for all believers.
A humble Church of servant leaders
Pope Leo quoted St Augustine: “With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop.” He embraced his role in humility.
Pope Francis constantly reminded Church leaders to be close to their people—to “smell of the sheep.” Authority, he insisted, must always be service.
Two Shepherds, One Gospel Vision
Pope Francis and Pope Leo share a united vision: a Church of Christ’s peace, bold in mission, grounded in synodality, open to dialogue, close to the poor, led by Mary, and guided by humble pastors.
Pope Francis handed on a legacy of justice, mercy, and missionary synodality. Pope Leo now continues this path—calling the Church to be a light in the world, a bridge of reconciliation, and a voice for the voiceless.
As pilgrims of hope, we are invited to walk with them—towards a Church more faithful, inclusive, and alive in the Spirit.
(The writer is a member of the Karnataka-Goa Province of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites based at Avila Jyothi, Peddem-Mapusa. He is the Regional Vocation Promoter of the Carmelites.)
