A New Era Dawns: Americans Elected as Pope Leo XIV in Hesse
Pope's election sparks tremendous optimism in Hesse - Pope's Selection Sparks Optimism Across Hesse Region
Hessian representatives from politics and churches experienced sheer delight and high hopes following the election of the US native Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. The Bishop of Limburg and Chairperson of the German Bishops' Conference (DBK), Georg Bätzing, expressed heartfelt gratitude toward this new Pontiff.
Prevost, stepping into the shoes of Pope Francis, is a "moderate, thoughtful, and experienced pastor with a wealth of experiences in the Church from east to west and north to south", according to Bätzing in Magdeburg. The cardinals opted for a continuity with Pope Francis, but not a carbon copy, explained Bätzing.
Bätzing: Leo XIV's Focus Areas
Prevost's choice of names suggests he prioritizes social issues – "the Church as a champion for the people, the Church as a beacon for the working class, the Church as a beacon for the underprivileged." Three key themes that Prevost underlined in his first public address as Pope caught Bätzing's attention: peace, missionary church, and synodality, meaning a collaborative decision-making process within the church.
Rhein Sees a Glimpse of a Strong Signal from Rome
Hesse's Minister President Boris Rhein (CDU) shared his delight following the outcome of the papal election. "A strong message resonates from Rome today for the Catholic community and the entire world," Rhein explained in a statement. "At a time of multiple crises and escalating social inequality, the Pope serves as a conscientious moral authority and global intermediary. He is a herald of peace, compassion, and justice."
Rhein: A World in Need of a Strong Figure
The world needs a charismatic leader who transcends national interests and highlights universal values such as peace, justice, and humanity, stated the Minister President. "May the new Pope succeed in making his voice heard."
The Bishop of Fulda, Michael Gerber, also extended his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on his election and expressed gratitude. Notably, the voting took place on May 8, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, and the announcement was made during a peace service in Fulda Cathedral.
Gerber Hopes for a Pope with a Compassionate Heart
Gerber underscored that Cardinal Prevost played a crucial role in overseeing the bishops before his election, and he himself has previously encountered Prevost as a genuinely kind and approachable individual. Gerber believes Prevost's selection of the name Leo XIV indicates his concern for social justice, as Leo XIII set a significant precedent by emphasizing Catholic social teaching and addressing the plight of the poor. "Cardinal Robert Prevost would have certainly experienced this social reality firsthand during his tenure as bishop in Peru," stated Gerber. He views this election as evidence of the cardinals' intention to choose someone who keeps the social hardship in mind.
The Bishop of the Evangelical Church in Hesse and Nassau (EKKW) anticipates reforms and fresh impulses for ecumenism.
The Bishop of the Evangelical Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck (EKKW), Beate Hofmann, also congratulated the new Head of Catholics and voiced her aspirations for the new Pope. In a letter to the Catholic bishops in Hesse and Thuringia, she stated: "There is a lot of faith placed in him regarding needed reforms in the Catholic Church." As the Evangelical Church, we hope that the Pope will provide a catalyst for ecumenism, furthermore, we anticipate that the successor of Pope Francis will continue to serve as a public champion for justice, peace, and the preservation of creation.
The American, Robert Francis Prevost, assumed the position of the new head of the Catholic Church after only 24 hours of conclave. At the age of 69, he will bear the name Leo XIV as Pontiff.
- Pope
- Hesse
- Leo XIV
- Robert Francis Prevost
- Georg Bätzing
- Francis Prevost
- Bishop
- Pope Francis
- Rome
- Leo XIII
- Limburg
- Rhine
- Wiesbaden
- German Bishops' Conference
- Magdeburg
- Fulda
- Boris Rhein
- CDU
- Michael Gerber
- Beate Hofmann
- EKKW
Overall:
Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, is the newly elected Pope of the Catholic Church. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he is an Augustinian missionary who was crowned as Pope on May 8, 2025. Although specific statements from Georg Bätzing, Georg Gerber, and Boris Rhein regarding their views on Pope Leo XIV are not available, his election signifies a remarkable moment in Catholic history, breaking the barrier against an American pope. His emphasis on social justice and unity demonstrates potential for meaningful change within the Church.
- Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, was elected as the pope in the Catholic Church, marking a significant moment in history as he is the first American to assume this prestigious position.
- Bishop Georg Bätzing, the Chairperson of the German Bishops' Conference, shared his heartfelt gratitude following theelection of Pope Leo XIV, commending him as a "moderate, thoughtful, and experienced pastor" with a focus on peace, missionary church, and synodality.
- In his first public address as Pope, Pope Leo XIV outlined his key themes, which notably include peace, a missionary church, and synodality, signaling a collaborative decision-making process within the church.
- Hesse's Minister President Boris Rhein, expressing delight at the outcome of the papal election, viewed the election of Pope Leo XIV as a strong message for the Catholic community and the world, underscoring the need for a charismatic leader who transcends national interests and highlights universal values such as peace, justice, and humanity.
