Looking for clues from Pope Leo XIV's sermons

Summary

Podcast Summary: Consider This from NPR
Episode Title: Looking for Clues from Pope Leo XIV's Sermons
Release Date: May 11, 2025
Host/Author: NPR

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Introduction: A Historic Election

In a landmark event for the Catholic Church, Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the first American pope in the church's 2000-year history, choosing the name Pope Leo XIV. This momentous occasion was covered in detail on NPR's Consider This podcast, where hosts Scott Detrow and Jason DeRose delve into the implications of this unprecedented selection.

The Conclave: Selection Under Secrecy

The conclave, where 132 cardinals convened to elect the new pope, was marked by intense secrecy and traditional protocols. As Scott Detrow reports, "American cardinals went into the Sistine Chapel for a conclave this past week. Nine came out. Where he comes from is sort of now a thing of the past" (00:00). The cardinals were isolated from the outside world, with measures such as shutting shutters and jamming cell signals to maintain confidentiality.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, reflected on the austere conditions: "Any device that could transmit was taken from us" (00:38). Despite the confinement and limited food quality, Cardinal Wilton Gregory highlighted the spiritual significance, stating, "This was one of the most prayerful moments in my life" (00:57).

Election of Pope Leo XIV: A Personal and Spiritual Journey

The selection of Robert Prevost was a deeply personal and spiritual decision. In the moments following his election, each cardinal approached him individually at the altar beneath Michelangelo's Last Judgment. Cardinal Wilton Gregory shared, "I felt comfortable saying to Pope Leo, from one South Sider of Chicago to another, I promise you my respect, my fidelity and my love" (01:08).

Cardinal Timothy Dolan added emotional depth to the moment, mentioning his prayers for Prevost: "I couldn't imagine what happens to a human being when you're facing something like that" (01:44). The transformation was palpable as Dolan observed, "All of whatever anguish was resolved by the feeling that I think that this wasn't simply his saying yes to a proposal, but God had made something clear and he agreed with it" (02:04).

Pope Leo XIV's First Appearance and Sermon

Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Square, greeting a massive crowd with a festive mood. Cardinal Wilton Gregory noted the celebratory atmosphere, "Hallelujah. It happened to be a pre-planned day dedicated specifically to bands" (04:41).

In his inaugural sermon, Pope Leo addressed critical themes such as sacrifice and the dangers of secularization. He emphasized the need for the church's renewed commitment to evangelism: "In his first sermon on that first Mass, he really talked about sacrifice... called for a new Commitment and the church's commitment to evangelism" (05:45). Notably, he began his sermon in English before switching to Italian, showcasing his American roots: "I think it was just remarkable to hear an American pope speaking in English without an accent and then switching into Italian" (06:19).

Addressing Global Issues: Peace and Justice

Pope Leo XIV has already begun using his influential position to address pressing global issues. In a brief address from the balcony, he voiced his concerns and hopes regarding various international conflicts and humanitarian crises:

• Gaza: "He said he was saddened by what's happened in Gaza, called for aid to people suffering there and for the remaining hostages to be freed" (06:50).

• Ukraine: "He called for a lasting peace in Ukraine and urged that all prisoners be released and children be returned to their homes" (06:50).

• India-Pakistan Ceasefire: "He said he was pleased to hear about the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan" (06:50).

Additionally, in a lighter moment, he extended warm wishes for Mother's Day: "He wished happy Mother's Day to all the moms in the country celebrating Mother's Day today" (06:50).

Legacy and Symbolism: The Name and Coat of Arms

Choosing the name Leo XIV pays homage to Pope Leo XIII, renowned for advocating workers' rights and social justice during the Industrial Revolution. Cardinal Wilton Gregory highlighted the significance: "He chose his name to honor Pope Leo xiii, who spoke up for workers rights and social justice" (02:21).

Pope Leo's coat of arms further symbolizes his vision, bearing the motto "One We Are One," which reflects his commitment to unity under Jesus Christ: "The motto that has just been revealed is in the one we are one, the one being Jesus" (11:48). This choice underscores his dedication to a unified, inclusive church.

Challenges Ahead: Navigating Secularization and the Digital Age

Pope Leo XIV faces significant challenges in a rapidly changing world. A primary concern is the increasing secularization, especially in Western countries. Jason DeRose discusses how the rise of non-religious affiliations in the U.S. poses a unique challenge: "28% of people in the United States say they are nothing in particular, which is larger than the percentage of Catholics in America" (10:56).

Moreover, Pope Leo is poised to address the complexities of the digital age, particularly the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. He aims to initiate a "new Rerum Novarum," an update to Pope Leo XIII's encyclical, to tackle modern issues: "He called for a new Rerum Novarum, a new [document] to address the digital age and specifically to address artificial intelligence" (08:58).

The Significance of an American Pope

The election of an American pope is not only historic but also brings a new perspective to the global Catholic community. Jason DeRose reflects on Pope Leo's American upbringing and its potential influence: "He is really a citizen of the world... he wandered around a Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago, maybe the same way I did" (08:15). This American background may shape his approach to evangelization and engagement with contemporary societal issues.

Cardinal Wilton Gregory adds, "He's no longer just an American. He's really a citizen of the world" (07:43), highlighting the balance Pope Leo must maintain between his American roots and his universal role.

Looking Forward: Future Storylines and Implications

As Pope Leo XIV settles into his papacy, several key storylines emerge for NPR to explore:

• Americanism in the Papacy: How will Pope Leo balance his American identity with his global responsibilities? Will he utilize English more frequently to engage with a broader audience?

• Evangelization Strategies: Shifting focus from traditional outreach to engaging the non-Christian Western world and those who are increasingly unaffiliated with organized religion.

• Digital Engagement: Addressing the moral and ethical challenges posed by technological advancements, particularly AI, and their impact on human dignity and labor.

• Religious Decline: Strategies to counter the growing trend of secularism and the decline in religious affiliation, especially in the United States.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Catholic Church

The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, blending historic tradition with contemporary challenges. As the first American pope, his leadership is expected to navigate the delicate balance between honoring the church's rich legacy and addressing the urgent needs of today's world. His focus on social justice, technological ethics, and global peace initiatives positions him as a reformer poised to lead the church into a new era.

Listeners of Consider This can anticipate ongoing coverage of Pope Leo XIV's initiatives and their global impact, providing insightful analysis on how this historic choice shapes the future of Catholicism and its role in an ever-evolving world.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Cardinal Timothy Dolan: "Any device that could transmit was taken from us." (00:38)

• Cardinal Wilton Gregory: "This was one of the most prayerful moments in my life." (00:57)

• Cardinal Wilton Gregory: "I felt comfortable saying to Pope Leo, from one South Sider of Chicago to another, I promise you my respect, my fidelity and my love." (01:08)

• Cardinal Timothy Dolan: "I'm standing before God and Michelangelo reminds you of our ultimate destiny... this is the one that I think is indicated." (01:22)

• Cardinal Wilton Gregory: "It's surreal to me to see the footage from the Fox broadcast of the 2005 World Series, where now Pope Leo is spotted in the crowd and he's invested in the game." (08:26)

• Jason DeRose: "He really talked about sacrifice... called for a new Commitment and the church's commitment to evangelism." (05:45)

• Jason DeRose: "The motto that has just been revealed is in the one we are one, the one being Jesus." (11:48)

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and future implications surrounding the election of Pope Leo XIV, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of this significant event.

Transcript

[Scott Detrow]

10American cardinals went into the Sistine Chapel for a conclave this past week. Nine came out. Where he comes from is sort of now a thing of the past. You know, Robert Francis Prevost is no longer around.

[Jason DeRose]

It's now Pope Leo.

[Scott Detrow]

That's the Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, reflecting on the fact that he and 132 other cardinals selected Chicago born Robert Prevost as the head of the Roman Catholic Church. On Wednesday morning, the cardinals sealed themselves off from the rest of the world. Cardinal Joseph Tobin, the Archbishop of Newark, recalled the moment as He, Dolan and four other U.S. cardinals spoke to reporters in Rome.

[Cardinal Timothy Dolan]

Any device that could transmit was taken from us.

[Scott Detrow]

The shutters of the guesthouse, they all stayed in the Casa Santa Marta were closed, shut. Cell signals around the building were jammed. The food, Dolan said, wasn't great. And yet Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the former head of the Washington D.C. archdiocese, said.

[Cardinal Wilton Gregory]

This was one of the most prayerful moments in my life.

[Scott Detrow]

After the cardinal selected Pope Leo, they each approached him one by one at the altar in front of Michelangelo's fresco of the Last Judgment.

[Cardinal Wilton Gregory]

I felt comfortable saying to Pope Leo, from one South Sider of Chicago to another, I promise you my respect, my fidelity and my love.

[Cardinal Timothy Dolan]

And after one of the ballots, you know, you carry your belt, you deposit it and just say a few words in Latin to say, I'm standing before God and Michelangelo reminds you of our ultimate destiny. And as best as I can say, this is the one that I think is indicated.

[Scott Detrow]

Tobin has known and worked with Prevost for three decades.

[Cardinal Timothy Dolan]

Then I walked back and I took a look at Bob and he had his head in his hands and I was praying for him because I couldn't imagine what happens to a human being when you're facing something like that.

[Scott Detrow]

But when Bob, as Tobin was calling him, became Pope Leo, Tobin said, everything seemed to change.

[Cardinal Timothy Dolan]

All of whatever anguish was resolved by the feeling that I think that this wasn't simply his saying yes to a proposal, but God had made something clear and he agreed with it.

[Scott Detrow]

Speaking in Italian to the cardinals this weekend, Pope Leo told them he chose his name to honor Pope Leo xiii, who spoke up for workers rights and social justice during the Industrial Revolution. Pope Leo XIV said the world is at a similar turning point. Artificial intelligence especially, he says, poses new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor. The election of the first American pope is a remarkable moment in the 2000 year history of the Catholic Church. But in choosing his name, it's clear Leo is looking forward Ahead, we'll look at what his selection means for Catholics and non Catholics alike in both the U.S. and around the world. From NPR, I'm Scott Detrow.

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[Cardinal Wilton Gregory]

It's consider this from npr. Today, Pope Leo XIV appeared again on the balcony of St. Peter's Square. He greeted the crowd of hundreds of thousands and led them in prayer. Hallelujah. It happened to be a pre planned day dedicated specifically to bands, and the mood was festive as Catholics celebrated a new pope, the first ever from the United States of America. NPR religion correspondent Jason DeRose took it all in with me from NPR's broadcast booth on the edge of the square. Jason, it's our last pope chat from this location.

[Jason DeRose]

It's a sad day, and I should.

[Cardinal Wilton Gregory]

Say I mentioned that it was a special day for bands who could hear them thumping behind us as they make their way out of the square. But we heard from Popleo again today, not just the message that we just heard, but the first few things he said or said in homilies or appearances. What has been striking to you about these statements? What message has been consistent through them?

[Jason DeRose]

Well, you know, in his first sermon on that first Mass, he really talked about sacrifice. He talked about the dangers of secularization or the dangers of the secular world and really called called for a new Commitment and the church's commitment to evangelism. Another big thing that I'm thinking about is that he spoke in English right before he gave the sermon in Italian, sort of a little preamble in English. And, you know, I think it was just remarkable to hear an American pope speaking in English without an accent and then switching into Italian.

[Cardinal Wilton Gregory]

Yeah.

[Jason DeRose]

But given the weight of that sermon and what he really talked about, the sacrifice, I think he feels the weight of this election, the weight of the office, and he feels called in the papacy, as he said in that sermon, to bear the cross and the blessing of the papacy.

[Cardinal Wilton Gregory]

After today's prayers, Pope Leo briefly spoke from the balcony about world events. There's been a big question of how the new Pope will use his position of leadership around the globe to weigh in on war and peace, on global politics. What did he say?

[Jason DeRose]

Well, he weighed in, of course, on the side of peace. He said he was saddened by what's happened in Gaza, called for aid to people suffering there and for the remaining hostages to be freed. He called for a lasting peace in Ukraine and urged that all prisoners be released and children be returned to their homes. And he said he was pleased to hear about the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. And, of course, on a much less weighty note here, he wished happy Mother's Day to all the moms in the country celebrating Mother's Day today.

[Cardinal Wilton Gregory]

So let's back up for a moment. We knew going into this that this would be a big story. That's why we came to Rome. This is an ancient institution with 1.4 billion members choosing a new spiritual leader. But then we heard that announcement from the balcony. We were both pretty stunned and surprised in that moment. We've now had a few days to reflect on this and the fact that the. The Pope is an American. What do you think it means?

[Jason DeRose]

Well, I'm still getting my head around what it means to cover religion in America with an American Pope. He's also, though, the Bishop of Rome and the pontiff to the worldwide Catholic Church. And when you and I heard from cardinals earlier this week, they really made that clear that he is no longer just an American. He's really a citizen of the world. American cardinals really emphasize that over and over again.

[Scott Detrow]

And.

[Jason DeRose]

And as someone who lived in Chicago for many years myself, I actually lived down the street from the seminary he went to.

[NPR Host]

Wow.

[Jason DeRose]

And I think about him spending time in the libraries or grocery stores or bars that I did. And I'm still getting my head around the fact that he wandered around a Hyde park neighborhood in Chicago, maybe the same way I did.

[Cardinal Wilton Gregory]

It is surreal to me to see the footage from the Fox broadcast of the 2005 World Series, where now Pope Leo is spotted in the crowd and he's invested in the game. He looks nervous hanging on that outcome.

[Jason DeRose]

I live in Chicago and cover that World Series and I remember being in bars just like that. I'm pretty sure I wasn't in the same bar he was in.

[Cardinal Wilton Gregory]

Pope Leo now has a very big job in front of him with a lot of challenges. We could fill the entire show with this question, but top level, what is the state of the Catholic Church that Pope Leo is now in charge of? What are the biggest challenges he's going to face?

[Jason DeRose]

Well, you know, he, he. In an address to cardinals just the other day, he really focused in two areas. He told them that he chose the name Pope Leo because of a previous Pope Leo, Leo xiii, and his encyclical, Rerum Novarum. Now, that document offers really expansive social teachings on economic justice, human dignity, specifically related to the Industrial Revolution. And what he called for, I think, is a new Rerum Novarum, a new of new things to address the digital age and specifically to address artificial intelligence. So I think that he's feeling the weight of what that will mean for Catholicism. In fact, we talked to a cardinal last week who referred to that as the digital continent, something that the Church has to figure out how to be involved in.

[Cardinal Wilton Gregory]

Jason, sadly, we are both leaving Rome after this. Our bosses have told us to come home. But your beat now includes a pope, as we've been saying, from the United States. What are the biggest questions you have going forward? What are the storylines you're now thinking of reporting out?

[Jason DeRose]

Well, I think how he will handle his Americanism. Will he sometimes speak in English if he's trying to get the attention of the American people? Will he speak in English if he's trying to get the attention of President Trump? That's something I'm thinking a lot about. One of the themes he's already talked about in a couple of sermons is the evangelization of the contemporary world, that the margins are different for Pope Leo than they were for Francis. Francis talked about going to the margins, going to say where the refugees are or to where the impoverished people are. I'm hearing from Leo that the margins are the non Christian Western world, perhaps so an evangelization of places that might be nominally Christian. He spoke a bit about places that aren't quite Christian enough. Perhaps it'll be interesting to see how people take that.

[Cardinal Wilton Gregory]

It's especially interesting in a world, in a country where more and more people are leaving organized religion.

[Jason DeRose]

Well, exactly. If you look at a lot of research that, say, Pew has done, people switch religions, but they don't leave, say, Christianity and become Muslim. They leave religion. They're moving from, say, nominally Christian family that they're born into to unaffiliated or into being an atheist or agnostic. That's now in the United States, the single largest group of people, 28% of people in the United States say they are nothing in particular, which is amazing. That's larger than the percentage of Catholics in America. It'll be interesting to see how he, as an American pope, talks about that and how it's received in the United States.

[Cardinal Wilton Gregory]

Lastly, when you become pope, you get a new coat of arms that you can reveal. That says a lot about you choosing what to put on it. What does Pope Leo's coat of arms say? Why does that matter?

[Jason DeRose]

The motto that has just been revealed is in the one we are one, the one being Jesus. And I really think it has to do with how he thinks about his life of ministry. And it will be interesting to see how Catholics around the world, Christians around the world embrace that idea in the one we are one.

[Cardinal Wilton Gregory]

NPR religion correspondent Jason DeRose. The marching bands here are playing us off as we wrap up our St. Peter's Square coverage. Thanks so much.

[Jason DeRose]

You are welcome.

[Cardinal Wilton Gregory]

This episode was produced by Tyler Bartlam. It was edited by Sarah Robbins, Eric McDaniel and Daniel Burke. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun. It's Consider this from npr. I'm Scott Detrow.

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