Pope Leo XIV meets with journalists in the Vatican | Jesuit.Media
The Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific joins Father General Arturo Sosa in celebrating with the whole Church and all people of goodwill the joyful election of Pope Leo IV, Bishop of Rome and Pastor of the Universal Church.
When I first heard the news and read Pope Leo IV’s public address, I felt a deep sense of consolation. His very first words—“Peace be with you,” the peace of the Risen Christ—were exactly what our troubled world needed to hear. In the midst of so much division, hatred, and violence, that greeting brought hope and healing.
What moved me even more was his clear desire to carry forward the message of peace that Pope Francis so humbly shared throughout his papacy. Pope Leo IV reminded us of the need to keep building bridges through dialogue and encounter so that, together, we can become one people—always in peace.
I was also touched by how he spoke as an Augustinian, quoting the beautiful words of their founder: “With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop.” It showed his genuine longing to journey with us as a synodal Church, walking side by side toward our shared heavenly home.
His choice of the name Leo brought to mind Pope Leo XIII, who gave us the Church’s foundational social teaching. Rerum Novarum spoke powerfully of human dignity, workers’ rights, and the call to serve the common good—ideals we still strive for today.
And finally, Pope Leo IV’s heartfelt reference to his missionary roots in Peru was a strong reminder of his closeness to those who suffer and live on the margins. His readiness to walk with them says so much about the kind of shepherd he will be.
Together with Father General, we assure Pope Leo IV of our constant prayers. We unite ourselves with him in creative fidelity to our charism of thinking with the Church and being ever ready to serve in Jesus Christ’s mission of reconciliation. And with Mary, Our Lady of the Way, we pray that she accompany him as he leads us in proclaiming the peace of the Risen Christ. +AMDG+
