Pope Allegedly Targets Leo XIV's Favorites, According to Cardinals' Account

Changing the Game: How Leo XIV Climbed the Papal Throne

Pope Leo XIV is said to have been the preferred choice among the Cardinals

The Vatican shook as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on May 8. An unexpected American, Robert Francis Prevost, was chosen as the new pope following a quick 24-hour conclave. Yet, an Italian cardinal had long been considered the favorite to replace Francis. Here's how Prevost transformed from an underdog contender to a bold frontrunner.

Behind Closed Doors: A Game of Strategic Moves According to the Wall Street Journal, Prevost's vote count climbed steadily with each ballot cast, while support for the Italian cardinal, Pietro Parolin, plateaued. Around 4 p.m. on May 8, Prevost surpassed the necessary two-thirds majority of 89 votes and secured the papal crown. Cheers echoed through the ranks of the scarlet-robed cardinals. Prevost initially remained seated with closed eyes, seemingly in awe of the Life-altering news.

"I Hadn't a Clue"

It came as no surprise that the election of Prevost, aged 69, was indeed a shock to many. As evidenced by betting markets, Parolin was the top favorite. Though close runners-up included Ghanaian cardinal Peter Turkson, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna, and Filipino cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.

A Whispered Word: The New York Times' Interview with the Filibuster Tagle shared with the New York Times that Prevost sought his assistance during the conclave. "How does this whole thing work?" Prevost is said to have asked. Tagle had experience in a conclave, unlike Prevost, who claimed to be in the dark, unbeknownst to most.

Initially, Prevost trailed behind with less name recognition and began as an underdog in the race. It wasn't until he struck the right chords in a series of private meetings with cardinals before the conclave that he truly set himself apart.

Speech that Resonated

Unlike Pope Francis, who made a name for himself with a striking 2013 election speech outlining his vision for the Church, Prevost's statements went largely unnoticed. "He spoke like everyone else," Spanish cardinal Juan José Omella Omella recalled. However, during a talk with his fellow cardinals the eve of the conclave, Prevost made a profound impact, focusing on the Synodal Way—a phrase that particularly resonated with Francis supporters.

While Parolin remained tight-lipped about the concept during his Mass on the day following Francis' funeral, Prevost's speech struck the right note with those eager to see the Church move towards greater inclusivity. "Synodality means collaboration," Prevost is quoted as saying.

The Power of Persuasion

In the final tally, Prevost earned an impressive 100 votes, a testament to his persuasive abilities. It is thought that during lunch, strategical discussions and food—pasta, steak—played a key role in swaying votes in Prevost's favor.

It's said that Prevost claimed the seat once occupied by Jorge Mario Bergoglio during the 2013 conclave that elected him pope. This coincidence was revealed by US Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who participated in both papal elections.

In a heart-warming moment, Parolin, the initial favorite, was the first to approach Prevost after his election, asking in Latin if he would accept the position. To which Prevost responded, "I accept." Parolin was also the first to kiss the ring of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. "Parolin is a gentleman," said Cardinal William Goh of Singapore.

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Unveiling the Secret Ingredients:

Robert Francis Prevost's journey to become the first American pope, taking the name Leo XIV, was no small feat. He masterfully leveraged several key elements to catapult himself to success:

International Connections and Language skills: As a polyglot, Prevost's ability to converse effectively with fellow cardinals from diverse backgrounds gave him a significant edge in the conclave.
Missionary Experiences: Prevost's extensive missionary work in Peru provided him with a unique perspective on the global Church, appealing to Vatican observers seeking a well-rounded leader.
Powerful Position: Prevost held the position of Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the appointment of new bishops. This role granted him high-level influence within the Vatican.
Emphasis on Synodality: Prevost demonstrated unwavering support for Pope Francis' beliefs on synodality, which focuses on making the Church more inclusive and participatory, attracting cardinals who championed reform.
Steadfast and Visionary Leadership: Despite being introverted and reserved, Prevost's resolute demeanor and clear vision for the Church made him an attractive candidate for those seeking a determined and forward-thinking leader.

These powerful factors, combined with Prevost's unique experiences and capabilities, helped cement his position as the first American pope, impressively earning over two-thirds of the cardinal electors' votes.

The European Union and the European Community, both political and economic unions, watched with interest as the Vatican, located in Rome, Italy, underwent a significant change with the election of the American pope, Leo XIV.
Leo XIV, previously known as Robert Francis Prevost, underlined his global vision in his conversations with the cardinals, using his language skills to connect with them and discuss various sports like football (soccer), basketball, hockey, golf, and mixed martial arts.
As a dedicated missionary in Peru, Prevost demonstrated his understanding of the Church's worldwide presence, likening the collective work of the Church to team sports such as the NFL (American football) and MLB (baseball).
In the spirit of collaboration, Prevost emphasized the importance of sports-betting market trends and the role they could play in anticipating the decisions of other cardinals, much like how WNBA (women's basketball), NBA (basketball), and NHL (hockey) teams strategize to achieve their goals.
As the head of the Dicastery for Bishops, Prevost used his power to appoint leaders who shared his ideology, inspiring a new wave of cardinals to support the Synodal Way, much like coaches recruit athletes to join their sports teams.
The Synodal Way also reminded Prevost of the democratic nature of sports, where open discussions and analysis (sports-analysis) help teams improve their performance and maintain a sense of unity.
During the lunch before the conclave, league-like discussions took place amongst the cardinals, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate, similar to the meetings conducted by team owners and coaches in championship races like NASCAR, Formula 1, or the Indianapolis 500.
Applying the principles of basketball and teamwork, Prevost conducted strategic meetings with the cardinals, just as basketball coaches collaborate with their players to develop winning strategies.
Like Tiger Woods in the Masters (golf tournament), Prevost showcased determination and focus during the conclave, refusing to concede the lead and securing his place as the victor.
Upon his election, Prevost, the American pope, reached out to his fellow European cardinals, forming bonds that transcended geographical borders, much like how international sports leagues promote camaraderie and collaboration among their players.