Pope Leo XIV Signals Continuity with Francis Ahead of Meeting with King Charles
As King Charles III prepares to meet Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican this week, the five-month-old papacy is taking clearer shape, largely in continuity with Pope Francis on migration, climate, and social justice.
Despite early stylistic departures, traditional dress, moving into the Apostolic Palace, and outreach to conservative cardinals Raymond Burke and Robert Sarah, Leo has echoed Francis’s priorities. He urged U.S. bishops to «speak strongly» on immigration after letters describing raids and deportation fears, told reporters that backing harsh treatment of migrants is incompatible with a pro-life stance, and reaffirmed the Church’s focus on the climate crisis.
Leo’s first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi te («love for the poor»), begun under Francis, denounces a «dictatorship of an economy that kills» and widening inequality. He also condemned the use of hunger as a weapon of war at a UN forum.
Analysts say Leo’s tone is more reserved than Francis but his agenda similar.
«He’s taking up the baton from his predecessor on key issues,» said Vatican watchers, noting growing criticism from conservative commentators who brand him the «woke pope.»
The audience with King Charles is expected to pair private prayer with talks on global instability, migration and environmental stewardship.
