The Economic and Political Philosophy of Pope Leo XIV: A Speculative Essay

This working paper, generated with the assistance of Grok 3, an artificial intelligence assistant, speculatively examines the potential economic and political philosophy of Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost, elected on May 8, 2025. By comparing his possible views to Pope Leo XIII's teachings, particularly from Rerum Novarum, and considering Prevost's background and statements, the paper explores his alignment with social justice, workers' rights, and critiques of unregulated capitalism. It also assesses how his Latin American experiences and alignment with Pope Francis might shape his approach to climate change, migration, and moral issues. The analysis suggests that if Pope Leo XIV follows Leo XIII's legacy, his papacy could emphasize balancing economic liberalism with social responsibility, defending traditional Catholic morals, and engaging with global challenges through Catholic social teaching. The new pope’s social media posts indicate he is a strong anti-Trumper.