Daniel Speed Thompson

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Newly elected Pope Leo XIV waves to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square shortly after his election on May 8, 2025. Vatican Media via AP

From the moment he steps onto the balcony, each pope signals his style of leadership – here’s how Pope Leo XIV’s appearance compares with Pope Francis’ first

Daniel Speed Thompson, University of Dayton

From his new name to the title he uses to introduce himself, a pope’s first appearance involves symbolic choices that signal his intentions as leader of the Catholic Church.
A mourner holds a portrait of Pope Francis at the Basílica de San José de Flores in Buenos Aires, a church where the pope worshipped in his youth. AP Photo/Gustavo Garello

Francis, a pope of many firsts: 5 essential reads

Molly Jackson, The Conversation

Pope Francis was not one to shy away from controversial issues, whether inside or outside the church.
Deacons take part in a mass in St. Peter’s Basilica that was supposed to be presided over by Pope Francis. AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino

Who’s who at the Vatican?

Daniel Speed Thompson, University of Dayton

The pope leads the Catholic Church, but some 2,000 other people work at the Holy See and city-state.
Pope Francis leads a prayer vigil at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Sept. 30, 2023. Antonio Masiello/Getty Images

The worldwide consultations for the global synod reflect Pope Francis’ efforts toward building a more inclusive Catholic Church

Daniel Speed Thompson, University of Dayton

As the Synod of Bishops meets in Rome, a Catholic theologian explains the preparations that went into the consultative process and what it says about Pope Francis’ vision for the future church.

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