VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV officially began his papacy on Sunday, drawing over 250,000 people to St. Peter’s Square for his inauguration. The first American to hold the office, Leo XIV chose his name in tribute to Pope Leo XIII, known for guiding the Church during the first industrial revolution. In his first speech to the College of Cardinals, he pledged to defend human dignity, fairness, and workers’ rights amid today’s rapid tech changes. He also announced plans to update the Church’s Social Doctrine to address artificial intelligence and the shifting global economy.
Honouring a Legacy While Embracing the Future
Pope Leo XIV said his papal name honours Leo XIII, whose 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum inspired him. That text addressed the rights of workers and the moral role of the economy. Like his namesake, the new Pope believes the Church must respond to global changes without promoting conflict between social classes.
“We must stand for justice without choosing sides in class struggle,” he said.
The Pope stressed that economic systems must serve people—not just profit. He said the Church will guide policy discussions, especially in fields shaped by AI, automation, and digital trade.
Vatican Seeks Dialogue with Economic Powers
In a move that echoes the 19th century Church’s challenge to early monopolies, Leo XIV signaled the Vatican’s intent to speak more clearly on economic ethics. Former Vatican Bank president Ettore Gotti Tedeschi welcomed this direction.
“Leo XIII helped shape economic thought before the U.S. even had antitrust laws,” Gotti Tedeschi explained. “The Church can do the same now by addressing modern monopolies in tech and finance.”
He urged the Pope to offer clear moral direction on the influence of digital giants. Without ethical frameworks, he warned, sectors like finance and artificial intelligence could lose their way.
Observers say Pope Leo’s approach could return the Vatican to a position of global influence—especially on questions of economic fairness and digital regulation.
Restoring Trust and Reviving Vatican Finances
As the first Pope from the United States, Leo XIV enters the papacy with expectations of restoring both spiritual and financial credibility. Vatican donations—especially St. Peter’s Pence, a key source of funding—have dropped by nearly 50% over the last ten years.
American Catholics, a major donor base, are watching closely.
Experts say the Pope’s traditional values and practical leadership may help repair that trust. Gotti Tedeschi suggested that the new Pope could balance the Vatican budget within six months.
“If he reaffirms the Church’s identity and doctrine, support will return,” he said.
US Vice President JD Vance has already expressed support, saying the American government will back the Church if it defends traditional teachings and promotes ethical leadership.
Guiding the Church Through the Age of AI
Pope Leo XIV made it clear that the Church must play an active role in the digital age. He plans to update Catholic social teachings to address the challenges of artificial intelligence, automation, and the concentration of digital power.
“The Church must engage sectors that lack moral grounding,” he told the cardinals. “We must offer light in places ruled by algorithms and data.”
He views his mission as bridging the gap between old traditions and new realities. The goal, he says, is to keep faith at the center of how societies grow and evolve.
A New Chapter for the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV’s first actions show a clear focus on reform—rooted in the past, but facing the future. From economic ethics to AI, he wants the Church to take part in shaping the world’s direction.
With deep respect for tradition and a strong voice for justice, the new Pope is poised to redefine the Vatican’s global role.