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Vatican City, May 9, 2025 — In a historic conclave, the College of Cardinals elected Robert Francis Prevost, 70, as the 266th Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Leo XIV, he becomes the first American pope and the first from the Augustinian Order since Eugene IV (1431–1447).
Key Facts
- Birth: September 15, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to an Italian-American working-class family.
- Ordination: Joined the Augustinians (OSA) and was ordained in 1981; he holds a doctorate in canon law.
- Missionary Legacy: Served 22 years in Peru (1990–2012), including as Bishop of Chiclayo (2014–2023). He is fluent in Spanish, Quechua, and Italian.
- Vatican Role: Appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023, overseeing global episcopal appointments.
- Election: Secured the papacy on the fifth ballot (133 votes) after factions split between reformist and traditionalist candidates.
Why the Name “Leo XIV”?
- Honors Leo XIII (1878–1903), who advanced Catholic social teaching (Rerum Novarum).
- Signals a focus on economic justice, Church unity, and engagement with modernity.
Also Read : Breaking: White Smoke Emerges as 133 Cardinals Elect New Pope in Vatican
What to Expect
- Global South Focus: Will leverage his Latin American experience to address poverty, migration, and climate change.
- Synodality: Plans to expand Pope Francis’s model of decentralized governance.
- U.S. Ties: Although he remains “a citizen of the Church first,” his American background may shape geopolitics.
- Liturgy: Expected to uphold tradition while encouraging vernacular adaptations.
First Words as Pope
“Fear not, little flock. With the humility of a missionary, I accept this cross. The Church must walk with the wounded, as Christ did.”
Symbolism of This Election
- Bridging Continents: As the first pope from the Americas, he balances Northern and Southern priorities.
- Humble Pastor: Famously rejects clerical luxury—he still wears a wooden pectoral cross from Peru.
- Reform Momentum: Likely to continue financial transparency and clergy-accountability efforts.
Next Steps
- Inauguration Mass: Expected within ten days.
- First Apostolic Visit: Rumored destinations include Peru or the U.S.–Mexico border.
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