The Vatican announced the election of the very first pope from the United States: Robert Prevost, now known as Pope Leon XIV. This 69 -year -old cardinal was born in Chicago and spent many years as a missionary in Peru.
He was appointed Cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023 and appointed head of the dicastery for the bishops – a very influential position responsible for the appointment of the new bishops.
Strongly fact, he directed one of the most daring reforms of Pope Francis, by integrating three women into the electoral group responsible for proposing the nominations of bishops to the Pope.
Although it has been little expressed on the great questions of the Church, some of its positions are known. He shares the vision of Pope Francis concerning the environment, solidarity with the poor and migrants. In 2024, he declared: “The bishop must not be a small prince sitting in his kingdom. »»
He also supported Pope Francis’ decision to authorize divorced Catholics remarried to receive communion. On the other hand, he only provided moderate support for the blessing of same -sex couples.
The first American to direct the Catholic Church
Pope Leon has a vast management experience within the church. He was elected twice at the head of the religious order of the Augustins. Pope Francis, attentive to his trajectory, brought him back to Peru in 2014, where he served as a director then archbishop of Chiclayo.
He obtained Peruvian nationality in 2015 and stayed there until 2023, before being called to Rome by François.
For a long time, an American pope seemed unlikely due to the geopolitical power of the United States. However, Léon XIV was perceived as a “compromise candidate” before the conclave. His long stay in Peru has helped make him a more universal figure.
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Pope Leon: “May peace be with you all”
The world learned the election of the new pope around 6:08 p.m. on Thursday, when white smoke appeared above the Sistine Chapel. The 133 cardinals gathered in conclave elected the new head of the Catholic Church from the second day of deliberations.
Just over an hour later, the Pope was presented to the central balcony of the Saint-Pierre Basilica, under the cheers of a crowd of around 50,000 people.
Since the balcony, speaking in Italian, Pope Leo said: “May peace be with you all. »»
He thanked his predecessor and resumed the call of Pope Francis to a church turned towards the modern world, “always in search of peace, charity and close to people, in particular those who suffer”.
He added: “Together, we must discover how to be a church that builds bridges, establishes the dialogue and remains open to all. »»
In Spanish, he concluded: “I particularly want to salute my compatriots from Peru. It was a great pleasure for me to work in Peru. »(Source: Sky News)
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