In his first formal address to the global College of Cardinals, newly elected Pope Leo XIV committed to advancing the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. Addressing the senior clerics on Saturday, Leo praised Francis' life as an "example of complete dedication to service" and called on the Church's leadership to ensure that his vision endures. "Let us take up this precious legacy and continue on the journey," he said.

Pope Francis is widely remembered for his reformist agenda, promoting inclusivity, modernization, and dialogue within and beyond the Catholic Church. Under his leadership, the Vatican formally recognized the State of Palestine in 2013 and signed a historic treaty in 2015, affirming the Holy See's support for Palestinian statehood. Francis was also outspoken during the Gaza genocide, calling for international accountability and condemning the killing of Palestinian civilians, including two Christian women shot by an Israeli sniper. He maintained nightly contact with Gaza's only Catholic parish, offering spiritual support to those trapped in the besieged enclave, and one of his final acts was to convert his popemobile into a mobile health clinic for Gaza's children.

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Building on this legacy, Pope Leo used his address to urge a renewed commitment to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council of the 1960s—measures that fundamentally reshaped the Church by promoting vernacular liturgy, interfaith engagement, and a more open stance toward the modern world. He echoed Francis' call for "courageous and trusting dialogue with the contemporary world in its various components and realities."

Leo's speech signaled his intention to continue steering the Church along the path forged by Francis, championing both spiritual renewal and a firm moral voice on global issues, including justice for Palestinians.

Read more: Pope Leo XIV’s speech on peace, building bridges echoes worldwide