VATICAN CITY – In a historic and unexpected turn, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. He becomes the first American ever to ascend to the papacy, defying widespread assumptions that a U.S.-born candidate would be a long shot.
White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that the cardinals had reached a decision after just over 24 hours of deliberations. The conclave, which included 133 cardinal-electors — the most in Church history — moved with notable speed considering the diversity of its members and the ideological divides among them.
Pope Leo XIV now assumes spiritual leadership over the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. He faces significant decisions about whether to continue the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away last month and was known for promoting inclusivity and reform, or to chart a new course for the Church.
At 69, Leo XIV brings decades of international experience. Born in Chicago, he is multilingual and widely respected for his global ministry. He spent over 20 years in Peru, where he served as a missionary, educator, and eventually became a bishop. He later led the Order of St. Augustine and rose to a high-ranking position in the Vatican overseeing the appointment of bishops around the world.
Though American by birth, Leo XIV is seen as a global churchman. His service in Latin America, fluency in Spanish and Italian, and extensive work with diverse communities have shaped his pastoral approach.
In a 2024 interview with Vatican News, he emphasized humility in leadership, saying, “A bishop is not a little prince sitting in his kingdom.” His tone and pastoral priorities mirror those of Pope Francis, especially in advocating for the poor and migrants.
However, questions remain about how far he will follow his predecessor’s progressive stances. While he has supported broad Church consultation, his views on LGBTQ+ issues are more conservative. In a 2012 speech, he criticized Western media for promoting what he described as “sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the Gospel,” referencing same-sex families.
Like many in the hierarchy, he has also faced criticism for his handling of clergy sexual abuse cases, a challenge that will continue to demand transparency and reform under his papacy.
As Pope Leo XIV steps into this monumental role, the global Catholic community watches with anticipation to see how he will balance tradition with calls for change — and how his American origins may influence a truly global Church.
source: North Bulletin
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