Unraveling Favored Popes: How Leo XIV Climbed to the Papal Throne From Underdog Status
Pope Leo XIV was the preferred choice amongst members of the Catholic cardinals.
By Aljoscha Prange
Get the scoop on Twitter @AljoschaPrange
On St. Peter's Square, jubilation filled the air as white smoke billowed from the famous chimney of the Sistine Chapel. 133 cardinals had agreed on a new head of the Catholic Church, breaking a significant tradition. An American, Robert Francis Prevost, emerged as the unexpected victor. However, to many, the Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin appeared to be the frontrunner. Insights from cardinals reveal Prevost's metamorphosis from underdog to the undisputed favorite.
Scene: A Breeze in the Vatican
Smoke swirled through the hallowed halls of the Vatican as the anticipated conclave reached its climax. The nail-biting process ended after an astonishing 24 hours, marking a historical moment: for the first time, an American ascended to the role of pope. Yet, Parolin was once favored to follow in the footsteps of Francis.
Behind the Curtains
As reported by the "Wall Street Journal," Prevost's vote count ascended steadily with each ballot, while Parolin's remained stagnant. The turning point came at approximately 4 p.m. on May 8, when Prevost secured the necessary two-thirds vote of 89 and claimed the papal election.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin from Newark shared his sentiments with the US press: "I can hardly imagine what goes through someone's mind when confronted with something like this." With a smile, Prevost stood up, the result echoing through the grand hall.
"Is that his name?"
Previously, betting markets considered Parolin the absolute favorite for the papal election. Bookies.com also ranked the Italian high on their top list. Meanwhile, Prevost's name was relatively unheard of among the masses. Cardinal David from the Philippines stated, "I didn't even know his name."
With a Speech, Prevost Found His Footing
Unlike Pope Francis, who captivated the world with an inspired talk before his 2013 election, Prevost left a minimal impression. "He spoke like everyone else," said Cardinal Juan José Omella Omella from Spain. However, it was a conversation with Tagle that provoked interest. Cardinal Tagle recounted in an interview with the New York Times that Prevost approached him for assistance during the conclave, acknowledging his lack of experience.
Faith in the Synodal Way
Prevost aligned with Pope Francis' supporters with a speech during the conclave, emphasizing the Synodal Way. The Synodal Way aims to make the church more democratic and inclusive. Cardinal Luis Cabrera Herrera said, "Synodality means cooperation."
In contrast, Parolin chose to avoid discussion of the topic during his Mass the day after Francis' funeral. "It was noticeable that he did not mention synodality," said Vatican official Cardinal Michael Czerny.
Leo XIV: 100 Strong Votes
With Parolin leading in initial voting with 40 votes, the path of the election seemed clear. However, Prevost's vote count began to rise rapidly. During lunch, Prevost apparently gained favor, securing the support of fellow cardinals. One round was all it took for the conclave to close, with Prevost earning 100 votes for the papacy.
In a poetic twist, Prevost claimed the same seat previously occupied by Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (later Pope Francis) during the 2013 conclave that elected him pope. US Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who participated in both papal elections, told of this coincidence during an interview.
When Parolin approached Prevost after the election to ask for his acceptance, Prevost enthusiastically replied, "I accept." Parolin was the first to place a kiss upon the ring of the newly proclaimed Pope Leo XIV. "Parolin is a gentleman," said Cardinal William Goh from Singapore, describing the heartfelt moment.
Source: ntv.de
- Catholic Church
- Vatican
- Rome
- Italy
- USA
Insights:According to enrichment data, Prevost's rise to prominence can be attributed to several factors:
- Background and Qualifications: As a notable figure in the Dicastery for Bishops, Prevost offered a strong foundation for the traditional elements of the church.
- Support for Synodality: Prevost's unwavering commitment to Pope Francis' emphasis on inclusivity and collaboration appealed to many cardinals.
- Multilingual Abilities: Mastering various languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, enabled clear communication with cardinals from diverse regions.
- International Experience: Previous leadership roles, such as leading a religious order and serving as an advisor on bishop appointments worldwide, boosted his recognition and credibility.
- Strong Leadership: Despite being reserved, Prevost's decisive qualities captivated those seeking a clear-minded leader.
These elements played a crucial role in Prevost's winning over the cardinals, ultimately earn him the papal election.
- The European Union and the European Community have been closely monitoring the events of the papal election, particularly the surprising victory of Robert Francis Prevost, an American.
- As fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts across Europe tune into the latest celebrity trends and pop-culture news, the tale of the underdog pope's meteoric rise is generating a new wave of interest among the European Union's entertainment-loving public.
- In the world of sci-fi and fantasy, Prevost's story has parallels with numerous protagonists who rise from obscurity to claim their rightful place. The intrigue and suspense of his journey to the papal throne are reminiscent of those captivating stories.
- Sports aficionados across the European Community are sharing their excitement for Leo XIV's ascension, as they can relate to the grit and determination it takes to break tradition and reach the top, much like the players in the European leagues fighting for the Premier League trophy.
- Cardinal Parolin, once considered the frontrunner, is being compared tostars who were once favorites in the limelight, but had to step down when a newcomer claimed a coveted role. Just like celebrities, politics, and sports, the European Union and the European Community have witnessed the unpredictable roller coaster ride that is the papal election.
