A Bacik Conversation

Pope Leo, the first American Pontiff, carries the hopes of many for a more peaceful world, a more widely present Church, and a more unified US society.

Pope Leo calls Christians and Muslims, who share a belief in the one God creator and judge, to work together to spread God's gift of compassion to a world bombarded by suffering so that more people can live a more abundant and hopeful life.

In his encyclical Magnificent Humanity, Pope Leo demonstrates that Catholic Social Doctrine can help guide shared efforts to get rapidly expanding digital technology to serve the common good.

Pope Leo, who naturally relates very well with women, will continue to appoint women to high positions in the Church, but will honor the long tradition of not ordaining women as priests or deacons.

Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Pope Leo's political theology affirms the non-establishment clause of the First Amendment against Christian nationalism and the free exercise clause against doctrinaire secularism.

From the beginning of his ministry as Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo has been a courageous and consistent advocate for peace: calling for a halt to all wars around the world; the elimination of nuclear weapons; and presenting Christ as the Lord, who has given us the gift of peace and calls us to do our part to promote peace in our own circle of influence.

As a young Augustinian friar, Pope Leo XIV was sent to Peru where he encountered liberation theology, pioneered by Gustavo Gutierrez, that he appropriated as a priest, teacher, and bishop, and now practices as the Supreme Pontiff.

The first Augustinian Pope, Leo XIV has given expression to the Augustinian charism in various ways: often quoting Saint Augustine in public statements; living in community with other friars in the remodeled apostolic palace; and encouraging all of us to join with others in loving God, serving our neighbor, and promoting social justice and peace in the world.

Pope Leo XIV, the first Roman Pontiff from the United States is carrying on the reform strategy of Pope Francis commonly called "Synodality", an approach that involves listening to the voices of the marginalized, having conversations in the Spirit, and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit.

By choosing the name, Leo, the first American pope indicated his intention to speak up for justice and peace as did Pope Leo 13 in his groundbreaking encyclical Rerum Novarum.