Just a few days into his papacy, Pope Leo XIV is already showing the world what kind of spiritual leader he intends to be—one deeply grounded in the voices of the saints and early Church Fathers.
With a style that’s both scholarly and heartfelt, Pope Leo’s first week as pope has been filled with profound quotes, not just from recent popes, but from the giants of Christian tradition—names like St. Augustine, St. Gregory the Great, and St. Ignatius of Antioch.
Let’s take a look at the spiritual figures Pope Leo has leaned on so far, and how their words are shaping the early days of his pontificate.
Honoring His Roots: St. Augustine
As the first pope from the Augustinian order, it’s no surprise that Pope Leo XIV is drawing heavily from St. Augustine’s deep well of thought.
When he stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time on May 8, he humbly introduced himself as “a son of St. Augustine,” quoting the saint: “With you I am a Christian, and for you I am a bishop.”
That wasn’t the only time Augustine’s words took center stage.
During a May 12 address to journalists, the pope offered another gem: “Let us live well and the times will be good. We are the times.”
And if you look at his papal coat of arms, you’ll find yet another Augustinian phrase: “In Illo uno unum,” which translates to “In the One, we are one.” It’s a beautiful way of expressing unity in Christ—many believers joined as one body through Him.
The Courage of Martyrdom: St. Ignatius of Antioch
In his very first Mass as pope, held in the Sistine Chapel on May 9, Pope Leo turned to a figure who knew the cost of discipleship—St. Ignatius of Antioch.
Reflecting on the early martyr’s words, “Then I will truly be a disciple of Jesus Christ, when the world no longer sees my body,” Leo reminded the Church of the humility and sacrifice required of those in positions of authority.
He explained that for anyone leading within the Church, the call is to step aside so that Christ may shine through—“to make oneself small so that He may be known and glorified.”
Wisdom from a Great Shepherd: St. Gregory the Great
During his first Regina Caeli address, where he sang the beloved Marian prayer in Latin, Pope Leo quoted St. Gregory the Great, emphasizing the importance of love in action. Gregory, he said, teaches us to “respond to the love of those who love them.” A simple but powerful reminder about reciprocal love in our relationships and ministries.
Voices from the East: St. Ephrem the Syrian
Pope Leo has shown a beautiful openness to the Eastern Christian tradition.
In a speech to leaders of the Eastern Catholic Churches, he quoted St. Ephrem the Syrian, a revered theologian in both Catholic and Orthodox circles.
With poetic imagery, Ephrem wrote: “Glory to you who laid your cross as a bridge over death… who clothed yourself in the body of mortal man and made it the source of life for all mortals.”
It’s a powerful reflection on how Christ transforms suffering into life.
The Strength of Faith: St. Isaac of Nineveh
Another Eastern saint Pope Leo referenced was St. Isaac of Nineveh, a mystic and ascetic from the 7th century.
He quoted Isaac’s moving reminder: “The greatest sin is not to believe in the power of the Resurrection.”
These words came during a reflection on how to find hope even in life’s darkest trials—by trusting in the Resurrection, the foundation of Christian hope.
The Inner Fire: St. Symeon the New Theologian
In the same speech to Eastern Churches, the pope cited St. Symeon the New Theologian, another Eastern mystic.
Symeon used a vivid image to describe how worldly distractions can dim our spiritual passion: “Just as one who throws dust on the flame of a burning furnace extinguishes it, so the cares of this life… destroy the warmth of the heart.”
Pope Leo seems intent on rekindling that spiritual fire in the Church.
Echoes of the Modern Saints: St. John Paul II
Leo XIV isn’t only drawing from ancient sources. He also referenced the beloved St. John Paul II—especially the Polish pope’s iconic call: “Do not be afraid!” Pope Leo used the same phrase during his first Regina Caeli, encouraging young people to respond boldly to God’s call.
He also reminded the Eastern Catholic Churches of their “unique and privileged role,” again echoing words first spoken by John Paul II.
A Flame of Faith: St. Paul VI
On May 10, while speaking to the cardinals who elected him, Pope Leo brought in the hopeful vision of St. Paul VI, quoting his 1963 message: “May [faith] pass over the whole world like a great flame… and bless humanity abundantly.”
It’s clear that Pope Leo sees his mission in line with those before him—a continuation of the hope, faith, and renewal they sought for the world.
Anchored in the Apostle: St. Peter
Unsurprisingly, the pope has shown a strong devotion to St. Peter, the first bishop of Rome.
In his homily during his inaugural Mass, Pope Leo reflected on Jesus’ question to Peter: “Who do you say that I am?” and Peter’s response: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
On May 11, Pope Leo offered one of his first private Masses at St. Peter’s tomb—solidifying the spiritual connection he feels with the Church’s rock.
A Heart for Mary: The Blessed Virgin
One of the pope’s most tender moments came right after his election, when he invited the crowd in St. Peter’s Square to join him in a Hail Mary.
He reminded them that his election fell on the day of the Prayer of Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii.
Shortly after, he made a quiet pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano. There, he reflected, “As the Mother never abandons her children, you must also be faithful to the Mother.”
A Pope with a Purpose
In just one week, Pope Leo XIV has shown us a glimpse of his heart: deeply rooted in tradition, sensitive to both East and West, and passionate about prayer, humility, and unity.
Quoting saints both ancient and modern, his early addresses already offer a rich spiritual roadmap for the Church’s journey ahead.
With a foundation like this, it’s safe to say Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate is shaping up to be both deeply thoughtful and refreshingly grounded.