Lithuanian president looks forward to future pontiff guiding the Church with "religious conviction, optimism, and compassion."
Pope Leon XIV, hailing from the Windy City, is now leading the Church at a challenging time for humankind, as per Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda's Facebook post. The College of Cardinals, including Lithuanian Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, has bestowed upon Pope Leon XIV an extraordinary mission - guiding the Church towards faith, hope, and love in these tumultuous times.
The new Pope, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, is born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago. This American-born pontiff, the first in Church history, carries deep Augustinian roots, having graduated from Villanova University, one of the two Augustinian Catholic universities in the U.S. He entered the Order of Saint Augustine's novitiate in Saint Louis in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1982 after earning a theology diploma from the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago.
Pope Leon XIV's career includes extensive service in Peru, particularly in the mission of Chulucanas, and as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. His rise in the Church hierarchy saw him elected leader of the Augustinians' Midwest province and subsequently serving twice as prior general, the top leader of the Augustinian order. Pope Francis later appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, setting the stage for his election as pope.
Pope Leon XIV's election surprised many, as U.S.-born popes were considered long shots before the conclave. His leadership style is described as humble, gentle, prudent, and warm - traits appreciated by the Villanova University community and expected to shape his papacy. His election breaks the tradition of most popes hailing from Italy or nearby European countries and comes at a time when Catholicism is on the rise in regions like Asia and Africa.
Congratulations poured in from Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas, and Robert Francis Prevost's fellow Augustinian, the Speaker of the Lithuanian parliament, Saulius Skvernelis. The new pontiff, they agreed, is poised to inspire people around the globe, promoting peace, social justice, and human rights in his message. The deep, historically rooted ties between Lithuania and the Holy See, they believe, will continue to strengthen during Pope Leon XIV's pontificate.
- It was revealed on social media by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda that Pope Leon XIV, a Chicago native, is now leading the Church, having been elected by the College of Cardinals, including Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas.
- Born on September 14, 1955, Pope Leon XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, carries the Augustinian tradition, having graduated from Villanova University and serving as the Augustinian order's top leader twice.
- With his unique background, Pope Leon XIV has made significant contributions to the Church, serving as Bishop of Chiclayo and the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. His election as pope, unexpected to many, presents a break from the tradition of popes originating from Italy or nearby countries.
- The leaders of Lithuania, including Gitanas Nauseda, Gintautas Paluckas, and Saulius Skvernelis, have congratulated Pope Leon XIV on his election, expressing their belief that he will inspire people globally, promoting peace, social justice, and human rights, further strengthening the deep, historically rooted ties between Lithuania and the Holy See.
