This is Ed Morrissey of HotAir.com for Townhall.

The Catholic Church has set a new path for its future with the election of Pope Leo XIV. He made history as the first American pontiff, but otherwise he seems to fit into a more traditional path for The Vatican. An insider who worked regularly with bishops and cardinals, Pope Leo XIV is an expert on canon law. He takes care with his words and has an eye for tradition.

His choice of regnant name matters as well. The new pontiff explained the inspiration for his choice: Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, a prophetic declaration for the rights of workers as well as a call to resist socialism and collectivism. It called on all to defend the family as the core social unit and guarantor of dignity.  

The choice of pontiff holds enormous influence and weight within Christendom and among the nations of the world. Pope Leo XIV has an opportunity to heal divisions among Christians and Catholics while defending the deposit of faith in a clear and unambiguous manner.

Join me in praying for his success.

I’m Ed Morrissey.