Pope Leo XIV has begun his pontificate with a series of meetings and addresses. He met with officials of the Vatican Secretariat of State, urging them to act as a cohesive community and to avoid ambition or rivalry in their service.
He addressed priests in the Paris region, encouraging fraternity and unity amid challenging ecclesial and social conditions. Pope Leo XIV also met with representatives of three religious congregations—the Society of African Missions, the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, and the Congregation of the Servants of the Paraclete—highlighting their diverse charisms and apostolic missions.
In an audience with members of Catholic lay associations and ecclesial movements, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that Christianity is based on community, not isolated spirituality, and called for keeping Jesus at the center of their activities.
Pope Leo XIV received António Costa, President of the European Council, at the Vatican. Their discussion focused on achieving peace in Ukraine, Gaza, and other regions, as well as addressing global issues such as climate change, reducing inequalities, and promoting the dignity of work. Both sides expressed a desire to strengthen cooperation between the European Union and the Holy See.
The Pope also received Italian President Sergio Mattarella for the first time at the Vatican. The Archbishop of Mexico City, Carlos Aguiar Retes, extended a formal invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit Mexico.
Pope Leo XIV faces financial challenges as the Vatican's 2022 budget was €770 million, with declining donations and underperforming real estate assets. Peter’s Pence donations fell to $47 million during the pandemic, and the Vatican recently sold its embassy property in Tokyo to address budget shortfalls. The Vatican relies on donations, museum ticket sales, and investment income, and is considering new strategies to improve financial stability.
Cardinal Wim Eijk, who participated in the recent conclave, noted signs of renewed interest in the Church among younger generations despite ongoing secularization in Europe. Approximately 200,000 people attended Pope Leo XIV's installation.
“Pope Leo will restore unity to the Church.” Cardinal Wim Eijk speaks, who a month ago was at the Conclave that elected Prevost. “In the Church there are many issues on which there is disagreement, and internal discord is not good for us.” Say @MatteoMatzuzzi
