Following his election as the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV appeared before the public in opulent vestments embellished with gold, drawing a wave of reactions online. Many commentators compared his lavish attire to the more modest garments worn by the late Pope Francis at the beginning of his papacy, with some expressing disapproval over the perceived contrast.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, made his first appearance as pontiff on May 8, 2025. After the conclave concluded, he stepped onto the central loggia balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the world for the first time in his new role, wearing regalia that immediately caught the attention of onlookers and social media users alike.
Pope Leo XIV stands solemnly between rich velvet drapes, hands clasped over ornate crimson vestments embroidered with golden saints
That same day, other cardinals in the Vatican elected him as the new pope. He is the first pope from the United States and shared a close bond with his predecessor, the late Pope Francis. He is also the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church and once spent years as a missionary in Peru.
Pope Francis stands in the popemobile surrounded by a sea of dignitaries and waving hands, dressed in full white with a silver cross draped over his chest
Choosing the papal name Leo XIV, the new pope appeared before the public flanked by two colleagues. He smiled and waved while dressed in pink, white, maroon, and gold garments and jewelry as he stood on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Leo XIV raises both hands in greeting, wearing a richly embroidered stole over cream robes as he steps onto the balcony framed by deep red velvet drapes
His vibrant attire contrasted sharply with the plain white robes worn by Pope Francis during his first appearance on the same balcony on March 13, 2013, in Vatican City. At that time, Francis, formerly known as the Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had just been elected as the 266th pontiff.
Pope Francis greets the crowd with a gentle wave, dressed in simple white robes and a silver cross, his calm smile framed by soft golden light
When a video surfaced of Pope Leo XIV delivering his first prayer, it sparked strong reactions across social media. One user remarked, “Gold jewellery. Gold robes. Magnificent chapels. Idolatry. Pretty much everything Jesus was against. The irony.”
Comparing Leo XIV’s 2025 appearance to Pope Francis’ simpler 2013 attire, another observer commented, “It will be hard to be better than Pope Francis. I pray the gold is not a sign of regression. The simplicity of Pope Francis was contagious and inspiring.”
Criticism continued, with one user noting, “From simplicity and modesty to a gold-embroidered frock,” while another questioned, “What is up with all that gold?”
Yet not all reactions were negative. One user praised the look, stating, “Traditional vestments are an improvement,” while another struck a more hopeful tone, asking, “Can we all be God’s children? Love & RESPECT.”
Pope Francis delivers a sermon from a carved wooden lectern, draped in cream vestments with red crosses, standing beside a throne-like chair trimmed in gold
As many continued to mourn the passing of Francis, one netizen shared, “Ooh RIP pope Francis he was a humble pope from the onset. [sic]” Despite this, some praised the new pope, with one writing, “Pope Leo XIV looks like a wonderful man!!”
Another person observed, “He’s got some big shoes to fill, hopefully [sic] he’ll be just as good as Pope Francis was.”
Pope Leo XIV smiles warmly as he raises both hands in greeting, his ornate crimson stole detailed with golden saints catching the light
Public reactions to Pope Leo XIV’s introduction highlight how symbolism and presentation remain powerful in shaping perceptions of leadership. As the Church enters a new chapter, the contrast in papal styles offers an opportunity to reflect on tradition, change, and the values that resonate with modern believers.
Pope Francis rides in the popemobile, smiling and waving in crisp white robes and skullcap, flanked by suited security detail amid a sea of dark coats
Pope Francis stands in silhouette against the night sky, raising his hand in blessing as thousands of lights sparkle across St. Peter’s Square below
Pope Francis stands beneath deep red drapes, framed by golden light and solemnly gazing out in white papal robes and a silver cross
Pope Leo XIV waves softly from the balcony, dressed in deep red vestments adorned with golden iconography, framed by a curtain of rich velvet
Pope Francis raises his hand in a gentle wave, wearing his white papal robes and silver cross, his warm smile lit by the golden glow behind him
Pope Leo XIV stands with a quiet smile, hands gently clasped over crimson vestments embroidered with gold, his gaze steady beneath gleaming glasses
Pope Leo XIV presses his hands together with a soft smile, his crimson and gold vestments gleaming under the lights of the basilica balcony
Pope Francis waves from the central balcony, smiling in white robes and silver cross, surrounded by cardinals in scarlet under a golden-lit archway
