New Head of the Catholic Church lauded by the President
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has expressed surprise and approval over the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. In a conversation with journalists, the President noted that the new Pope's North American origins, combined with his time in Peru, would bring a unique perspective to the role.
Rebelo de Sousa highlighted Prevost's commitment to peace, ecumenical openness, and global engagement, stating that his election gives the impression of a balance between following the teachings of Pope Francis and opening up to a new, American perspective. The President also noted that at 69 years old, Pope Leo XIV is poised for a potentially long pontificate.
The President expressed his belief that the election of cardinals by the Catholic Church is moving away from a European-dominated process, rotating among the continents. He commented that there had been much speculation about a potential Asian or African Pope, but this time, the cardinal electors chose someone close to Pope Francis, who had served with him in the Roman Curia.
Rebelo de Sousa expects Pope Leo XIV to emerge from the group of cardinals who are well-known among bishops and other cardinals. He did not express a view on whether President Donald Trump of the United States would be pleased with the election, stating that he had notp considered the question.
Cardinal Prevost, born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, has dual citizenship with Peru. He was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops on January 30, 2023, and was created a cardinal by Pope Francis in September 2023. During his career, Prevost played a significant role in the Dicastery for Bishops and was involved in various synod sessions and Apostolic Journeys. He has been a member of several Vatican dicasteries and the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State. He was promoted to the Order of Bishops on February 6, 2025, with the title of the Suburbicarian Church of Albano.
As the first U.S.-born pope, Cardinal Prevost's influence within the global Catholic Church is expected to be significant. His background and roles have shaped his unique perspective and global impact on the Church. However, the President's comments focused more on the qualities and potential impact of Pope Leo XIV rather than specific details about his personal history or background.
Pope Francis, being Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost's predecessor and the one who created him a cardinal, might find the election of Prevost as Pope Leo XIV pleasing, given their shared history in the Roman Curia. In the realm of general news and politics, the election of a pope from Portugal, albeit American-origin, marks a shift towards a more balanced and global representation within the Catholic Church.
