Background on Pope Leo XIV and His Predecessor
On May 7, Pope Leo XIV, a 69-year-old native of Chicago, Illinois, was elected as the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church during a conclave attended by 133 cardinals from around the world. His predecessor, Pope Francis (2013-2025), passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. Mexico is the second-largest country with a Catholic population, estimated at 111 million faithful.
President Sheinbaum’s Announcement
During her morning briefing at Palacio Nacional, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that she will not attend the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV, scheduled for May 18 in the Vatican City. However, she reiterated her intention to formally invite the new pontiff to visit Mexico.
Relationship with the Catholic Church
Sheinbaum Pardo highlighted the good relationship between her administration and the Catholic Church, emphasizing their joint efforts in social programs such as voluntary disarmament in religious temples’ vestibules. She expressed her hope that the new pope would continue to focus on the needs of the less fortunate and contribute to global peace and prosperity.
Congratulations and Support for Pope Leo XIV
President Sheinbaum congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election and praised his commitment to the most disadvantaged sectors. She acknowledged that a leader of the Catholic Church with such a perspective is always respected, regardless of their orientation. She also expressed confidence that Pope Leo XIV would maintain the social and pastoral commitment that characterized his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Mexico’s Significance in the Catholic World
Mexico is home to the second-largest Catholic population globally, making it an essential player in the Catholic Church’s landscape. With two Mexican representatives, Arzobispo de Guadalajara Francisco Robles Ortega and Arzobispo Primado de México Carlos Aguiar Retes, participating in the conclave, the country’s influence on the Church’s direction is evident.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is the new Pope Leo XIV? Pope Leo XIV is a 69-year-old native of Chicago, Illinois, elected as the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church on May 7, 2023.
- Who was the previous Pope? The previous Pope was Francis, who served from 2013 to 2025 until his passing on April 21, 2023, at the age of 88.
- Why is Mexico significant in relation to the new Pope? Mexico has the second-largest Catholic population globally, with an estimated 111 million faithful. Two Mexican cardinals participated in the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV, highlighting Mexico’s influence within the Catholic Church.
- What is President Sheinbaum’s stance on attending the inaugural mass? President Sheinbaum has decided not to attend the inaugural mass but intends to invite Pope Leo XIV to visit Mexico.
- What social programs has President Sheinbaum collaborated with the Catholic Church on? President Sheinbaum and her administration have worked with the Catholic Church on social programs, including voluntary disarmament initiatives in religious temples’ vestibules.
