Pope Election Brings "Great Joy" for Leo XIV, Presiding French Bishops' Conference Member who Claims Familiarity with the Elected Clergy
"Feeling ecstatic," proclaimed Archbishop Eric de Moulins-Beaufort of Reims last Thursday, May 8, following the selection of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. Speaking in the Champagne-Ardenne region, he confided that he's had close encounters with the newly crowned pontiff.
"When I heard the names Robert Francis, I instantly recognized him," shared Moulins-Beaufort, adding that he has a long history with the North American cardinal who ascended to the throne. He has personally met Prevost on various occasions—in Rome during the latter's stint as prefect of the Congregation for Bishops and in Marseille and Ajaccio when Pope Francis visited France.
In the limo, they rode together.
Moulins-Beaufort mused that Leo XIV's selection of the name Leo XIV represents a "wonderful pledge,". The Archbishop of Reims characterized the new pope as a gentle, attentive, and firm individual.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, with ties to both French and Latin American roots, Pope Leo XIV exhibits a unique blend of cultures. This American-born pope is the first in the Roman Catholic Church's history.
Cardinal Prevost's path to the papacy was marked by a distinguished career within the Church. Serving as Prior General of the Augustinian religious order twice, a missionary in Peru, and Archbishop of Chiclayo, Prevost has left a significant footprint. His vast experience in both North and South America gives him a comprehensive understanding of the Catholic community worldwide.
Before his time as Supreme Pontiff, Prevost was appointed as the head of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, responsible for vetting bishop nominations worldwide. His tenure as Archbishop of Chiclayo and his quick elevation to cardinal have solidified his position within the Church hierarchy.
As Leo XIV, Prevost now stands to lead the Catholic Church with his distinct background and personal characteristics. May the next chapters of his life prove as momentous as the journey leading up to this historical moment.
- "Archbishop Eric de Moulins-Beaufort shared that he has had close encounters with Pope Leo XIV, including a ride together in a limo."
- "Pope Leo XIV, a gentle, attentive, and firm individual, represents a 'wonderful pledge' according to Archbishop Moulins-Beaufort, who finds Leo XIV's selection of the name Leo XIV significant."
- "Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, and bearing ties to both French and Latin American roots, Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born pope in the Roman Catholic Church's history."
- "Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, brings extensive experience from his distinguished career within the Church, including service as Prior General of the Augustinian religious order, missionary work in Peru, and stints as Archbishop of Chiclayo and head of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America."
