Editorial: Le Monde

• Léon XIV has been proclaimed the heir of Pope Francis, repeating several of Francis's key words in his first speech.
• The term 'peace' was emphasised multiple times, though the international reality is vastly different to when Francis was elected in 2013.
• Francis had gradually removed the concept of 'just war', something Léon XIV will now have to confront given the change in the global situation.
• Léon XIV also used the word 'bridges', characteristic of Francis's speeches, but in a context where walls are higher than ever.
• He assumed 'Léon' as his papal name, alluding to Léon XIII and his focus on social issues.

Conclusion: Léon XIV inherits many of Pope Francis's principles but faces a world with numerous changes and challenges, particularly around peace and social issues. His success will depend on his ability to adapt these principles to an equally hopeful but uncertain future.

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