In a candid revelation, Pope Leo XIV has disclosed the immediate, heartfelt words he spoke to God the moment he was elected as the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.
A Moment of Surrender in the Sistine Chapel
Speaking publicly for the first time about the immense duty of leading the global church, the Pontiff recalled the pivotal moment during the secret conclave in May 2025. He said his instinctive reaction was to tell the Almighty, "You're in charge, and you lead the way." The first Pope from the United States admitted he had sensed the colossal responsibility might fall to him as the conclave progressed.
Before his historic election, Pope Leo was a relatively unknown figure on the world stage. His path to the papacy was forged through decades of dedicated missionary work and service as a bishop in Peru, before he took on a senior role within the Vatican administration in 2022.
Adapting to the Spotlight and Future Missions
The new Pope confessed he is still adjusting to the intense scrutiny of the global media. He often finds journalists' interpretations of his facial expressions amusing, noting they are not always accurate. His comments came as he concluded his inaugural overseas trip to Turkey and Lebanon.
Looking ahead, Pope Leo outlined ambitious plans for future international visits. He expressed a particular desire to travel to Africa to foster crucial Muslim-Christian dialogue. He also mentioned potential future trips to Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru, signalling a continued focus on the global south and regions close to his pastoral heart.
