In the Vatican, they have a saying that goes something like this: a plump pontiff follows a slender one.
This aims to indicate that historically, cardinals frequently opt for a nominee who offers a distinct perspective compared to their immediate predecessor when selecting a new leader for the Catholic Church.
On Thursday, though, things did not unfold as expected.
Robert Prevost went into this week's conclave as a cardinal and came out as Pope Leo XIV.
He had been a trusted advisor to the former pope, Pope Francis, and during his approximately 10-minute address from the balcony facing St Peter's Square following his election, we gained insight into his potential plans.
Allow me to clarify this for you.
Pope Francis got a shout-out
Pope Leo was a friend of the late Pope Francis.
During his speech, which he gave in Italian but included some parts in Spanish, he quickly made mention of the former pope.
He made special mention of Pope Francis's blessing delivered from the same balcony on Easter Sunday, just hours before his death.
Pope Leo addressed the gathering in St Peter's Square on Thursday night, his voice faint yet consistently brave echoing in their ears.
It's improbable that Pope Leo drawing similarities to his predecessor was unintentional.
He isn’t seen as a compromising choice or someone who will steer the church in a new direction.
His victory ensures ongoing support for Catholics.
Building bridges 'through dialogue'
Peace, and the necessity of pursuing it, ran as a central theme throughout Pope Leo's speech.
His leadership arises against a background marked by discord and persistent fatal worldwide disputes.
Apart from the significant rifts forming within the pope's home country of the United States due to the 2024 presidential elections, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East persist unabated.
In his opening address, Pope Leo stated: "Support us as well; assist one another in constructing bridges—through conversation, through engagement, bringing everyone together to form a single nation perpetually at peace."
He then added an exclamation point: "Thank you, Pope Francis!"
The Pope who came before Leo fervently addressed the importance of worldwide unity and harmony. If the inaugural speech of the new leader is indicative, this will also stand as a cornerstone principle of his leadership.
Augustinian austerity likely
In his address, Pope Leo described himself as "a son of Saint Augustine," which holds significant importance.
He will become the Roman Catholic Church's inaugural Augustinian pope.
This represents a substantial order within the religious institution, adhering to the principles laid out by Saint Augustine, with a strong focus on communal living and collectively seeking divinity.
As an order of mendicants, it depends on donations instead of assets or alternative financial resources to perform its duties.
Pope Leo serves as an Augustinian friar.
Occasionally, their lifestyle is termed as "poverty," since they rely on the kindness of others for assistance and combine their communal assets.
This adds another connection to Pope Francis.
Even though he wasn't part of the Augustinians, he led a notably modest life and declined the chance to live in the magnificent Apostolic Palace.
Rather than opting for something more luxurious, he selected a simple chamber in a Vatican guesthouse.
Pope Leo’s deep-seated connections to St. Augustine’s doctrines throughout his life are expected to shape his papal tenure, so it comes as no shock that he cited them in his inaugural address.
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