WSJ: A Leader Has Emerged On The World Stage Who Does Not Seek Power
1- 30.09.2026, 15:55
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Millions of people saw Pope Leo XIV as a symbol of hope.
During his first official visit to France, Pope Leo XIV drew huge crowds. This is not merely a religious spectacle, but a sign of the public’s need for hope and a different kind of leadership, according to the editor and columnist The Wall Street Journal Gerard Baker.
Papal trips have long been a familiar sight. However, this visit turned out to be special. Millions of people took to the streets, and stadiums were filled with believers eager to see the pontiff.
Mass gatherings do not in and of themselves indicate a religious revival. However, the atmosphere surrounding the meetings with Leo XIV revealed the weariness of many Europeans with social change, the loss of familiar points of reference, and the rapid development of technology.
“These scenes awakened in us a sense of something rare: hope,” the author writes.
Leo XIV is contrasted with contemporary politicians, businesspeople, and celebrities. Against their backdrop, the pontiff appears entirely different: he does not seek to display wealth, power, or his own importance. His image is built around humility, compassion, and concern for ordinary people. This is precisely what makes him a particularly notable figure in an era when public life is increasingly tied to personal ambition, ostentatious consumption, and the struggle for influence.
“He is the only person in the world whom most of us can look up to,” the author asserts.
Leo XIV’s remarks on artificial intelligence drew particular attention. The Pope advocates for regulating its development so that rapid technological progress does not lead to the loss of humanity’s central role. These statements provoked a sharp reaction from billionaire Peter Thiel, who called the pontiff a “useful idiot” of the Chinese Communist Party.
At the same time, Leo XIV’s influence may prove far more enduring than the political fame of many current leaders and tech magnates. His calls for mercy, respect for human life, and responsibility toward society resonate far beyond the Catholic world.
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