Someone's New Popedom: The U.S.'s Robert Prevost Steps Up as Leader of the Catholic Church
Continent's New Pontiff Announced as Robert Prevost from America - Pope Franconia status now holds by American Robert Prevost.
Whoa, the Catholic Church just got a fresh new face - and it's hailing all the way from the States! After a whopping 24 hours of confidential voting, Robert Francis Prevost, an American, has seized the coveted role as the new head of the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic community. Adopting the name Leo XIV, the 69-year-old will shake things up as the first U.S. Pope in history.
As soon as he emerged on the balcony of the grand St. Peter's Basilica at 7:13 PM, an ear-splitting cheer erupted from the crowd of over 100,000 people who had been eagerly awaiting the new Pope. In true pope fashion, he greeted the faithful with, "Peace be with you all, dear brothers and sisters."
The new Pope also took a moment to honor his predecessor, Francis, expressing, "God loves us all, and evil will not triumph. Let us march forward fearlessly, hand in hand with God and with each other. Let's build bridges to the world. Thank you, Pope Francis."
Before his clandestine coronation, Prevost had already earned significant clout within the Vatican, having helmed the Dicastery - the Catholic Church's powerhouse - as the overseer of all bishops worldwide. He also made a name for himself during his days as a missionary and bishop in Peru, retaining Peruvian citizenship to this day. On top of that, he also served as the General Prior of the Augustinian Order.
Leo XIV is seen as a peacemaker capable of striking a balance between the church's conservative and reformist factions. With global connections from his career, he stood out as a worthy contender, even if he didn't top the favorites list. He was also Francis' trusted confidante. The beloved Argentine pope passed away on Easter Monday, leaving big shoes to fill.
U.S. President Donald Trump was among the first to congratulate the new Pope, posting on his infamous social media platform, "It's an incredible honor to see that he's the first American Pope. What a historic moment for the U.S. and the Catholic Church!" However, Prevost was not Trump's preferred candidate, with the more conservative U.S. cardinal, Raymond Burke (76), being the preferred pick.
The conclave came to an end sooner than people anticipated, with white smoke billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 6:08 PM. Signaling a two-thirds majority agreement among the 133 cardinals from around the world. The bells of St. Peter's Basilica tolled, followed by a cascade of church bells worldwide.
To the surprise of many, the Italians' long-held desire for a countryman as Pontiff after nearly half a century with popes from Poland, Germany, and Argentina was not realized. Favorites like the Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle and the Frenchman Jean-Marc Aveline will remain cardinals.
Upon his election, Prevost donned the traditional white robes in the sacristy of the chapel. Every cardinal pledged loyalty to him, and after a joint prayer, he stepped onto the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica where the French cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced, "We have a Pope" - and then named Prevost.
In contrast to his predecessor, Pope Leo XIV opted to wear a gold brocade stole for his first public appearance. Church experts now eagerly await whether he'll continue the minimalist living style of Francis, choosing to dwell in the Vatican's guesthouse, or revert to the traditional residence in the Apostolic Palace.
Leo XIV is the 267th pope in two millennia of church history. With his name, he pays homage to Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903). He marked the first time the Urbi et Orbi (To the City and the World) blessing was imparted from the balcony. Some spectators waved American flags on St. Peter's Square, and excited locals and tourists poured into the central square of the small city-state in Rome's heart.
After twelve years under Francis and over three weeks of sede vacante (vacant seat), the Catholic Church has a new pope. With great anticipation, the faithful now wait to see if Pope Leo XIV will keep Francis' prudent reform course or heed the demands of conservative cardinals to revert to tradition.
Before the election, the Catholic Church had been losing members in Europe due to countless abuse scandals. However, the number of Catholics is on the rise on other continents. With his agenda and influence, there might be renewed fervor for the faith across the globe.
In tune with his new role, Pope Leo XIV is expected to deliver his first Angelus blessing to tens of thousands of believers on St. Peter's Square this Sunday. A grand Mass with numerous state guests is anticipated next week for his inauguration.
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- The European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission have been consulted on the draft directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens, as the new Pope, Robert Francis Prevost, hails from the USA and will be leading the Catholic Church.
- Prior to becoming Pope, Robert Francis Prevost served as the General Prior of the Augustinian Order, helmed the Dicastery as the overseer of all bishops worldwide, and held missionary and bishop roles in Peru.
- With his election, Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, became the first American Pope in history, and U.S. President Donald Trump was among the first to congratulate him.
- As the new Pope, Pope Leo XIV emerged on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and addressed the faithful, expressing the need to build bridges throughout the world.
