Meet Robert Francis Prevost, who steps out as new Pope, succeeds Pope Francis amid…

Robert Francis Prevost: In a historic decision, Robert Francis Prevost was elected on Thursday as Pope Leo XIV. With this, he became the first American to ascend the papacy and lead about 1.4 billion Catholics across the world. Thousands of people gathered at St Peter’s Square and cheered after 69-year-old Prevost appeared on the St Peter’s Basilica’s balcony to address them as the new pope. “To all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole Earth, peace be with you,” Leo XIV said. His speech drew the loud applause of people who gathered at St Peter’s Square. The crowd cheered when Pope Prevost paid tribute to his predecessor Pope Francis, who died last month.

“We still keep in our ears that weak, but always courageous, voice of Pope Francis blessing Rome,” he said.

Who is Robert Francis Prevost?

Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago in 1955. His parents were Spanish and Franco-Italian. In the year 1982, Prevost was ordained and after three years he moved to Peru as part of Augustinian mission. For decades he worked with poor people and eventually became the bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. Later, he returned to Rome as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Latin America.

Prevost’s swift ascension to archbishop in January 2023 and appointment as cardinal by Pope Francis in the following months highlights the Pope’s confidence in him. This appointment is interpreted as a move to maintain the current direction of the Catholic Church, suggesting Prevost will continue to implement Pope Francis’ reform initiatives. Prevost’s past actions demonstrate his commitment to Francis’ priorities, including advocacy for migrants, the poor, and environmental protection.

An American By Birth

An American by birth, Prevost has decades of Latin American experience, which reinforces his link to Pope Francis’s legacy.

In a historic decision, Robert Francis Prevost was elected on Thursday as Pope Leo XIV. With this, he became the first American to ascend the papacy and lead about 1.4 billion Catholics across the world. Thousands of people gathered at St Peter’s Square and cheered after 69-year-old Prevost appeared on the St Peter’s Basilica’s balcony to address them as the new pope. “To all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole Earth, peace be with you,” Leo XIV said. His speech drew the loud applause of people who gathered at St Peter’s Square. The crowd cheered when Pope Prevost paid tribute to his predecessor Pope Francis, who died last month.

His election as Pope showcases influence of Pope Francis on the College of Cardinals. Notably, about 80 percent electors were appointed by Francis.

Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni explained that Archbishop Prevost’s selection of the name Leo XIV signifies a commitment to the Church’s social teachings, referencing Pope Leo XIII, known for his advocacy of workers’ rights in the late 1800s.

Elected Amid Global Uncertainty

Leo XIV has been elected as Pope at a time of internal division and global uncertainty. He faces significant challenges including the lingering effects of sexual abuse scandals, the necessity for Church reform, and widespread internal divisions, especially within the US Catholic community.

The newly elected Pope will soon celebrate Mass for the cardinals, lead the Regina Caeli prayer, and address international media. A formal papal inauguration, anticipated within the week, will feature global political and religious dignitaries.

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