Local clergy in Geraldton reflects on arrival of new Catholic Church leader, Pope Leo XIV

After a busy past week for the Catholic Church with a new leader chosen, Geraldton’s faithful have now had time to take measure of their new Pope.

It took three votes over two days late last week for the 133 cardinals in the conclave to choose Robert Prevost to be the 267th head of the Catholic Church

The first American pope, 69-year-old Chicago-born Prevost has taken the name Pope Leo XIV.

His leadership will shape the global church, and his election has already sparked reflection among local clergy.

Father Robert Cross, of the Geraldton diocese, said: “It’s always exciting when somebody new appears on the scene, and everyone will be looking intently to see which way he takes the church into the next period of time.

“I think that the cardinals have chosen a man that’s a bit more moderate, in the sense that Pope Francis could be a little controversial.

“The cardinals in the conclave were mindful of that in electing someone with a canon law background, he will be versed in church law and be rather circumspect with what he says and the way he presents the church’s teachings.”

Fr Cross said a pope’s choice of their papal name was often inspired by a predecessor.

“Often the name is indicative, modelling on a papacy that’s gone before. In this case he’s chosen Leo,” he said.

Pope Leo XIII, who led the Catholic Church from 1878 to 1903, was noted for a document called “Rerum novarum”, which addressed the struggles of the working class and challenges to society during the Industrial Revolution.

The document is considered the cornerstone of modern Catholic social teaching, advocating for a just society founded on Christian principles.

Pope Leo XIV has identified the modern industrial revolution of artificial intelligence as the new challenge facing humanity.

“It is such a seminal document, not just for the church, but for the world. That’s what the Pope does. He speaks up and presents a different angle on some of the politics and discussions that are going on around the world,” Fr Cross said.