Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the brand new pope, set to succeed the late Pope Francis and mark the primary time an American has served as pope.
He took the identify Leo XIV and emerged from the balcony of St. Peter’s Sq. to introduce himself, simply greater than an hour after white smoke emanated from the Sistine Chapel to sign his election.
The collection of an American pope is a historic one which breaks the norms of the Catholic Church. The concept of an American pope has traditionally been thought-about a protracted shot as a result of cardinals usually decide leaders from non-superpower nations.
The primary phrases from Leo XIV, that are carefully watched by Catholics, had been “Peace be with you all.” He appeared visibly emotional whereas he addressed the sq. and the world as the brand new pope.
He additionally paid tribute to Francis, talking in Italian, as he’s anticipated to proceed his predecessors course of the church in direction of inclusion.
“Let us keep in our ears the weak voice of Pope Francis that blesses Rome. The pope who blessed Rome, gave his blessing to the entire world that morning of Easter. Allow me to follow up on that blessing. God loves us. God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail,” he stated, in keeping with the CNN translation.
Prevost, 69, is from Chicago and has largely labored in Peru. He’s an Augustinian friar and graduated from Villanova College in 1977.
He additionally spoke in Spanish from the balcony in a nod to his work in Peru. After his remarks, the brand new pope waved to a cheering crowd for a number of minutes earlier than getting into St. Peter’s behind him.
The pope selected Prevost to be prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Fee for Latin America in 2023. The position entails recommending candidates for bishops to the pope and overseeing the fee that research the Catholic church in Latin America, in keeping with the Catholic Information Service.
Earlier than Prevost got here out on the balcony, the Pontifical Swiss Guard lined up on the sq. whereas the gang of spectators celebrated, cheered and waved flags from all over the world. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti first got here out on the balcony to announce the brand new pope.
Up to date 2:16 p.m.
