The spokesperson for the Bishops of Belgium noted having “the impression of the choice of the perfect center, which takes up the succession of pope Francis”, in a first reaction to the election of the new Pope Leon XIV on Thursday.
“We see someone who is in pacification,” said Tommy Scholtes on the RTL-TVI set by stressing an election that is in line with his predecessor.
“Pope Francis was in the midst of large tensions. I have the impression that we chose here the perfect center, which takes over the succession of François. He held strong words in relation to peace, compared to culture,” said Father Scholtes. “What he said in five minutes is loyalty to what preceded.”
-White smoke was released Thursday shortly after 6:00 p.m. from the Sistine Chapel chimney, announcing the election of a new pope by the cardinals gathered in conclave since Wednesday to succeed Pope Francis Died on April 21.
The latter, who came to Visit in Belgium last September, was accompanied by the new Pope, according to Tommy Scholtes. “The Bishops of Belgium have all met him”.
The spokesperson for the Bishops of Belgium still stressed that the election of Leon XIV was a surprise, which “comes from his position”. “He is a perfectly discreet man, I think he is not so known that in the population,” he said.
