Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was elected as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, concluding the 2025 papal conclave, according to RTÉ. White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel on May 10, 2025, announcing the historic selection of the first American pope.
Addressing the faithful, Pope Leo XIV said, “I embrace this calling with humility, trusting in God’s grace to guide our Church toward unity and service,” as reported by RTÉ. He underscored continuity with his predecessor, stating, “Pope Francis taught us to walk with the poor and marginalized, and I will carry forward his mission of compassion,” according to RTÉ. He also called for renewal, noting, “In a world of uncertainty, the Church must be a light of hope and truth,” per RTÉ.
Born in Chicago in 1955, Prevost, a member of the Order of St. Augustine, spent decades in Peru as a missionary and bishop, gaining Peruvian citizenship. Appointed prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops in 2023, he shaped the selection of global bishops, earning a reputation as a moderate with pastoral and administrative expertise. Despite his American roots, his global experience mitigated concerns about U.S. geopolitical influence, though allegations of mishandling abuse cases in Peru, which his diocese denied, stirred debate among cardinals, per RTÉ.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni praised the new pope, saying, “Pope Leo XIV combines pastoral heart with governance acumen, poised to lead the Church through modern challenges,” as reported by RTÉ. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines added, “His life of service in Peru and Rome makes him a shepherd who transcends borders,” according to RTÉ.
Pope Leo XIV, the first to take the name Leo since 1914, is known for his writings on canon law and Augustinian spirituality. He greeted crowds from St. Peter’s balcony after his election, delivering a message of unity. RTÉ reports that his inaugural Mass is set for May 12, 2025, with plans to address global poverty and synodality during the Vatican’s 2026 jubilee year.
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