“Very Funny, Work Really Hard”: Pope Leo XIV’s Lighthearted Motto Signals a Papacy of Joy and Duty
Vatican City, May 14, 2025 – In his first week as the 267th pope, Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has captured global attention not only with his historic election as the first American pope but also with a candid remark that’s quickly becoming the unofficial motto of his papacy: “Very funny, work really hard.” Uttered during a May 11 audience with Vatican staff, the phrase reflects the new pontiff’s blend of humor, humility, and dedication, offering a glimpse into his leadership style and priorities as he steps into one of the world’s most influential roles.
The Context of the Comment
The remark came as Pope Leo XIV addressed Vatican employees, many of whom manage the day-to-day operations of the Holy See. Responding to a lighthearted comment from a staff member about the challenges of serving a new pope, Leo XIV quipped, “Very funny, work really hard,” drawing laughter and applause. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni later clarified that the pope’s words were meant to “encourage a spirit of joy in service” while acknowledging the demanding work ahead.
The phrase resonates with Leo XIV’s reputation as a warm, approachable leader with a dry wit, shaped by his decades as a missionary in Peru, an Augustinian priest, and a Vatican administrator. Rev. Art Purcaro, a longtime friend, told Catholic News Agency, “That’s Robert—always finding the human moment but never shying away from the mission.”
What the Motto Reveals About Leo XIV
The impromptu motto aligns with the symbolic weight of Leo XIV’s chosen name, which honors Pope Leo XIII’s social justice legacy and Pope Leo I’s unifying leadership, as reported in recent analyses. It also offers insights into how the 69-year-old Chicago native plans to navigate the complexities of leading 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide:
- Joy in Service: The “very funny” half of the phrase underscores Leo XIV’s pastoral warmth. His inaugural address on May 8 emphasized a Church that “smiles with Christ’s love,” and his humor—evident in stories of joking with Peruvian parishioners—suggests an effort to humanize the papacy. Catholic commentator Ed Tomlinson noted, “A pope who laughs with his people can rebuild trust in a polarized Church.”
- Commitment to Hard Work: The call to “work really hard” reflects Leo XIV’s focus on action, particularly in addressing modern challenges like economic inequality and technological disruption, themes he tied to Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum. His experience in Peru, where he built community programs for the poor, and his role as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, managing global episcopal appointments, highlight a work ethic suited to the papacy’s demands.
- Balancing Tradition and Modernity: The motto’s blend of levity and duty mirrors Leo XIV’s centrist approach, aiming to uphold Catholic doctrine while engaging a changing world. His May 10 remarks to cardinals about artificial intelligence’s societal impact suggest a proactive stance on contemporary issues, much like Leo XIII’s engagement with the Industrial Revolution.
A Papacy in Context
Leo XIV’s lighthearted yet resolute tone comes at a pivotal moment. The Church faces declining membership in the West, growing influence in Africa and Asia, and internal debates over issues like women’s roles and clerical celibacy. His motto signals an intent to foster unity through shared purpose and optimism, echoing Pope Francis’s pastoral legacy while carving a distinct path.
The phrase also contrasts with the gravity of recent Church news, such as the Bétharram abuse scandal in France, where French Prime Minister François Bayrou faces scrutiny for alleged inaction, as reported today. While Leo XIV has not directly addressed the scandal, his call for a “welcoming Church” in his May 8 address suggests a commitment to transparency and healing, areas where his humor and work ethic could build bridges with victims and reformers.
Public and Vatican Reaction
The motto has sparked a flurry of reactions. On social media platforms like X, hashtags like #VeryFunnyWorkHard and #PopeLeoXIV have trended, with users sharing memes of lions (a nod to the name Leo) juggling tasks with a grin. Italian newspaper La Stampa called it “a rallying cry for a weary Church,” while U.S. Catholic blogger Rocco Palmo tweeted, “Leo XIV’s got the vibe: laugh through the chaos, grind for the Gospel.”
Within the Vatican, the phrase has boosted morale among staff navigating the transition from Pope Francis’s 12-year reign. A curial official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, said, “It’s refreshing. He’s not aloof—he’s one of us, but he’s serious about the job.”
Looking Ahead
As Leo XIV prepares for his first international trip—a rumored visit to Peru in July 2025—his motto encapsulates a papacy that aims to be both relatable and resolute. Theologian Natalia Imperatori-Lee told CNN, “Humor and hard work aren’t opposites; they’re the recipe for a pope who can connect and deliver.” With challenges like global poverty, Church reform, and interfaith dialogue on the horizon, Leo XIV’s ability to balance levity and labor will be tested.
For now, “very funny, work really hard” is more than a quip—it’s a mission statement. As the first American pope settles into his role, the world watches to see how this lion of the Church will roar.
Note: Follow Vatican News (www.vaticannews.va) for updates on Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. Verify details with official sources for accuracy.