Gen-Z’s on the new pope

ONCE again, another historical moment in the Vatican took place after a new pope was elected to take on the role of head of the Catholic Church.  

The pope, also known as the head of the Catholic Church, is responsible for deciding the church’s position on issues. The pope also makes decisions on issues of faith and morality for Catholics around the world. 

During the papacy of our beloved Pope Francis, he influenced and changed the church’s perspective in areas such as the death penalty, the marginalized, abortion, the LGBTQ+, and many more. 

As the beloved pope lies to rest, these changes will always be associated with his legacy, being remembered as the “Pope of the Poor.”  

On May 8, 2025, 69-year-old American Cardinal Robert Prevost took the position of the pope, taking the name of Leo XIV.

With the new pope taking over the Vatican, these Gen Zs come to voice their thoughts regarding the new pope. 

20-year-old Liam Tamparo stated that he is happy to see a new pope in the Vatican, as not having a pope means that something is missing in the heart of the church. Despite not being a Catholic himself, he is reading into the news of the Catholic Church. 

Upon learning that the newly elected pope was an American, he stated that nationalism shouldn’t be associated with the teaching of the church, and while it is nice to have a Filipino pope in the Vatican, the church isn’t defined by the nationality of what you believe and what you stand for. 

    “It’s a good sign that there’s already a new figurehead,” he said. 

Liam also added that there might be a lot of changes in the country if it were Tangle who were elected as the pope. “I think maraming magkakaroon ng changes locally sa Pilipinas kasi they’ll see a Filipino pope, so there’s more sense of responsibility on us to do good,” he stated. 

20-year-old Dianwayne De Leon stated that the pope stands as a symbol of devotion. “It is good to have someone to emphasize that symbol, create that symbol so that they’re following that step of devotion.”  

Unlike Liam, who recently stated that there might be changes in the country if the Pope were to be Filipino, Dianwayne stated he doesn’t think so. 

    “It cannot be sure there will be changes because every individual has their own beliefs. ” He said. “Though there might be a little change, but not that much.”