The election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new pontiff of the Catholic Church last Thursday surprised the world, not only because of his profile as the first pope born in the United States and naturalized Peruvian, but also because of the initial gestures of his pontificate, which mix continuity with the era of Francis and new liturgical, diplomatic and pastoral signals.

Aged 69, the now Pope Leo XIV - a name that evokes the social reformer Leo XIII - assumed the throne of St. Peter's amid high expectations. The election took place in the largest and most international conclave in history, with 133 cardinals from some 70 countries. His first steps have been closely watched by the faithful, analysts and political leaders around the world.

On Friday, Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass as pontiff in the Sistine Chapel before the cardinal electors. In his homily, he warned of the "decline of faith" in the face of other forms of security such as money, power, success or pleasure. He also called for not reducing the figure of Jesus to a simple "charismatic leader", in what many interpreted as a message to the more pragmatic or evangelical sectors of global Christianity.

From his initial appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Thursday evening, Leo XIV showed his style: he wore the papal stole, unlike his predecessor Francis, but opted for black shoes instead of the traditional red, a nod of humility. He spoke in Italian and Spanish, marking closeness to the Americas and reflecting his missionary trajectory in Peru.

This Sunday, he will reappear in St. Peter's Square to lead the Regina Coeli prayer, a customary opportunity to speak on international issues. On Monday he will hold his first audience with the press in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall.

A complex inheritance and a troubled world

Leo XIV inherits a Church marked by profound challenges: the crisis of vocations, the role of women, the scandal of sexual abuse and a growing disaffection among young people. In addition, he must face an international context marked by armed conflicts, emerging populisms and the climate emergency.

In his first speech as pope on Thursday, he made a "call for peace" and urged "building bridges" through dialogue. It was a statement consistent with his profile as a moderate and global pastor, but also a statement of position in times of growing world polarization.

His election was greeted with congratulatory messages from all corners: from the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, to the US government, passing through leaders in Colombia, Spain, Ukraine and Russia. Even the Russian Orthodox Patriarch, Cyril, expressed his hope that relations with the Vatican "will develop progressively" under the new pontificate.

Continuity or change?

Although many see him as a figure of continuity with respect to Francis -especially for his defense of migrants and his Latin American trajectory-, others observe important nuances. Leo XIV has been more formal in liturgical aspects, and is expected to put his own stamp on the governance of the Roman Curia.

His election was also the result of internal balances within the College of Cardinals. According to the Italian press, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, close to former President Donald Trump, reportedly played a key role in securing support for Prevost. However, as a cardinal, Leo XIV had openly criticized the U.S. government's immigration policy.

A new agenda

The enthronement Mass will take place on May 18 in St. Peter's Square. In that act, he will receive the symbols of papal power, such as the fisherman's ring. In the following days, he will visit the main basilicas of Rome, including St. Paul Outside the Walls and St. Mary Major, where Francis is buried.

One of the most closely watched decisions will be where the pope will choose to live. Francis rejected the Apostolic Palace and resided in Santa Marta. It is not yet known whether Leo XIV will continue that tradition of austerity or return to the pontifical apartments.

Another unknown is the destination of his first international trip. Francis had planned to attend the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in Turkey. Leo XIV could keep to that plan or surprise, as the Argentine pope did in 2013 when he visited Lampedusa, a point of arrival of African migrants to Europe.

A young pope?

At 69, Leo XIV is younger than Francis or Benedict XVI at the time of his election. His brother John describes him as an active man, fond of baseball and tennis. In the context of a Church that has seen long and difficult pontificates, his age is interpreted as an opportunity for dynamic, long-serving leadership.

"We were looking for someone who would follow in the footsteps of Francis, but (...) I believe that Pope Leo XIV will not be a photocopy," summarized Cardinal Robert McElroy. For now, the Catholic and non-Catholic world is attentively observing how this new stage takes shape under a pope who, from Chicago and Chiclayo, has arrived at the heart of the Vatican with a vocation to be a bridge and a global outlook.

With information from AFP