From the moment he steps onto the balcony, each pope signals his style of leadership – here’s how Pope Leo XIV’s appearance compares with Pope Francis’ first
- Written by Daniel Speed Thompson, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of Dayton
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV waves to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square shortly after his election on May 8, 2025.Vatican Media via APAs crowds celebrated in St. Peter’s Square, a man in white and red stepped onto the balcony of the basilica, prompting cheers from the plaza.
It was American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost: Pope Leo XIV,...









