Cardinal Robert Prevost is the new Pope. He chose the name Leo XIV. He is 69 years old and is the first American Pope. He was a missionary and archbishop in Peru. Robert Francis Prevost is American and chose the name Leo XIV. He is 69 years old and is the Archbishop Emeritus of Chicago. He was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in September 2023.
Born in the United States, the now former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is known as the “pastor of two homelands” because he spent much of his missionary life in Peru. He is the first American Pope. He was a missionary and archbishop in Peru and also served as Superior General of the Order of Saint Augustine.
Prevost’s election was announced by French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti with the Latin words Habemus Papam (“We have a Pope”) to tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square to hear the news.
Before the start of the conclave, some cardinals called for continuity with Francis’ vision of greater openness and reform within the Catholic Church, while others expressed a desire to return to older traditions.
Prevost attracted the attention of his peers because of his discreet style and his support for Francis, especially regarding the former Pope’s commitment to social justice issues. Prevost served as bishop in Chiclayo, in northwestern Peru, from 2015 to 2023.
In 2023, Francis chose Robert Prevost—considered part of the progressive wing of the College of Cardinals—to head the Vatican’s office responsible for selecting which priests should serve as Catholic bishops around the world, which means he played a major role in the appointment of many bishops.
During a Vatican press conference in 2023, Prevost said: “Our work is to enlarge the tent and let everyone know they are welcome within the Church.”
Source: Público
