Sant'Egidio founder: Francis wanted Leo XIV as his successor

Rome - Since his election as Pope, there have been repeated attempts to identify parallels and differences between Leo XIV and his predecessor. One expert believes that the new pontiff will continue on Francis' path – but in a different way.

Published on 11.06.2025 at 11:00 –

According to church historian and founder of the lay community Sant'Egidio, Andrea Riccardi, Pope Francis chose the then Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as his successor. "I have the suspicion, but no proof, that Bergoglio has thought about making (Prevost) his successor in recent years," said Riccardi at a press conference in Rome, according to the online portal"Religion News Service" (Tuesday). With the exception of Pius XI, no pope in recent Church history had succeeded in selecting a successor to the papal throne.

At a first meeting between Bergoglio and Prevost in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the relationship between the two churchmen was still difficult, said Riccardi. However, the relationship improved over time and Francis finally appointed him head of the influential bishop's dicastery in 2023. His star rose when Francis elevated him to cardinal bishop - the highest cardinal level in the Church - in February 2025 at the latest.

"He is not the anti-Bergoglio"

According to Riccardi, the general congregations of cardinals held before the conclave were "a trial against Pope Francis". Even though the cardinals had emphasised unity and dialogue in interviews, leaked documents and statements showed a polarised Church after the death of Francis. However, the conclave itself was "very simple".

"Pope Leo XIV is not a pope of the Restoration," emphasised the church historian. "He is not the anti-Bergoglio." He continued: "Pope Leo will continue on the path taken by Pope Francis with a different approach and a different character." Riccardi also contradicted attempts to categorise Leo XIV as conservative or progressive based on his choice of clothes or his place of residence.

Riccardi worked closely with the Holy See and Pope Francis to facilitate diplomatic relations in crisis regions. According to the report, he helped negotiate the peace treaties in Mozambique and Guatemala, among other things. (cbr)