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The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Catholic Church — not only because he is the first American pope, but also because he follows in the footsteps of an extraordinary predecessor, Pope Francis. Francis reshaped the identity of the Holy See through interfaith dialogue, his preferential option for the poor, and the groundbreaking “Document on Human Fraternity” he signed with Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb. While the new pope has yet to clearly articulate his vision, many signs suggest that he is not a break from Francis but rather a continuation in spirit, with a distinct tone.

The papacy of Pope John Paul II (1978-2005) was a period deeply shaped by the Cold War, during which faith was wielded as a tool against communism. That era transitioned into a more inward-looking and cautious phase under Pope Benedict XVI (2005-2013), whose tenure saw the church grow increasingly apprehensive and inert amid the eruption of complex challenges that demanded proactive engagement rather than detachment or denial.

In the Muslim East, especially within Al-Azhar, the most influential institution in Sunni Islam, relations with the Vatican had frozen after years of strained encounters. That freeze thawed with the arrival of Pope Francis, who reopened channels of dialogue and understanding, culminating in the historic “Document on Human Fraternity.” Francis left a profound legacy of openness, reform and a holistic view of the planet and its people as one family, so much so that he even choreographed his own funeral and burial in line with his ascetic lifestyle.

The choice of the name “Leo” carries deep significance, evoking the memory of two towering predecessors: Leo I, known as “Leo the Great,” who stopped the invasion of Italy through faith and diplomacy; and Leo XIII, a champion of social justice who issued the first major papal encyclical on workers’ rights. By aligning himself with these figures, the new pope positions himself as a spiritual leader for an era marked by global crisis.

So far, there have been no signs that the new pope will retreat from interfaith dialogue or engagement with Islam

Dr. Abdellatif El-Menawy

Leo’s background suggests continuity with Francis’ approach. A former missionary in Peru, he has worked among the poor and marginalized, holds dual American and Peruvian citizenship and is known for his humility and closeness to the people. His first greeting to the world, “Peace be upon you all,” signaled a profound openness, especially toward the Islamic world. The spirit of the “Document on Human Fraternity” appears not only likely to endure but potentially to expand under his leadership.

So far, there have been no signs that the new pope will retreat from interfaith dialogue or engagement with Islam. On the contrary, his Latin American background may further energize such efforts in an era marked by rising hate speech and political exploitation of religion. Although some forces within the Vatican may wish to rein in “Francis-style” reform, the name Leo and what it symbolizes suggest otherwise.

Reports such as one in Politico on Saturday a provocative question: “Will the first American pope stand up to Trump?” The answer appears to be no. The new pope is likely to counter the isolationist trend represented by US President Donald Trump, especially on issues like immigration, justice and global citizenship. While Trump publicly welcomed the election of an American pope, his allies, such as Steve Bannon, have already criticized Leo as “the worst choice for MAGA Catholics.” The coming period may be defined by this tension between universal Catholicism and nationalist politics.

The coming period may be defined by this tension between universal Catholicism and nationalist politics

Dr. Abdellatif El-Menawy

Leo’s dual nationality may enable him to speak to American Catholics in a familiar voice, but he appears unwilling to tie himself to any political agenda. His progressive leanings and commitment to “building bridges, not walls” may bring him into indirect confrontation with nativist and nationalist forces.

Under Leo, the church faces a dual challenge: preserving the legacy of openness left by Francis, while contending with conservative currents both inside and outside its walls that demand a return to traditionalism. Yet the new pope, through his name, symbolism and personal history, seems poised to strike a delicate balance, drawing from Francis a spirit of compassion and from past Leos a strength in times of upheaval.

Pope Leo is not merely a successor to Francis. He is likely a progressive chapter in the same narrative. He carries the torch of human fraternity and aspires to a leadership role in a fractured world searching for universal ethics rather than identity-based conflict. His greatest test may be this: Can he elevate the Vatican as a moral voice above politics, without being dragged into direct confrontation with the global rise of right-wing populism? Time will tell.

• Dr. Abdellatif El-Menawy has covered conflicts worldwide. X: @ALMenawy