Posted: Thursday, May 8, 2025. 12:41 pm CST.
Pope Leo XIV – Photo Credit: Vatican News
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Catholic Church has a new leader. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th Bishop of Rome, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election was announced to the world by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti, who proclaimed the traditional words: “Habemus Papam”—“We have a Pope.”
A Historic Election
Prevost’s election marks a significant moment in Church history. He is the second pope from the Americas, following Pope Francis, and the first Augustinian pope. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, Prevost has dedicated his life to ministry, with decades of service spanning continents.
His First Words as Pope
Stepping onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the gathered crowds with his first words: “Peace be with all of you!” Tens of thousands of people packed into St. Peter’s Square, cheering as he waved, smiled, and bowed to the faithful.
Speaking in Italian, the pontiff paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, calling him “courageous” and saying that he had “blessed Rome.” Reflecting on Francis’ Easter blessing, he said, “The pope that blessed Rome gave his blessing to the whole world on that Easter morning. Let us follow up that blessing. God loves us and God loves all of you.”
A Life of Service
From an early age, Prevost felt called to religious life, joining the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977. He earned degrees in Mathematics and Philosophy at Villanova University before entering seminary studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Ordained a priest in 1982, he soon deepened his academic credentials, earning a doctorate in Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
His ministry took him far beyond his home country. Prevost spent over a decade as a missionary in Peru, where he worked as a pastor, seminary professor, and judicial vicar for the Archdiocese of Trujillo. He was entrusted with the pastoral care of communities in impoverished areas, helping to strengthen local parishes and provide spiritual guidance. His leadership qualities soon led to his election as Prior General of the Augustinian Order, a position he held from 2001 to 2013.
Episcopal Leadership and Vatican Role
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, later confirming him as its bishop. As a diocesan leader, he focused on education, social justice, and strengthening priestly formation. His influence within the Church grew, leading to his appointment as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023, where he played a vital role in shaping the future of global Catholic leadership.
His service was further recognized when Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals in 2024, granting him the Diaconate of Saint Monica. He participated in key Vatican commissions, advising on matters related to evangelization, clergy, and Church governance.
The Path Forward
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, many will look to his leadership for guidance on global challenges facing the Catholic Church. His commitment to building bridges and fostering dialogue suggests he will emphasize inclusivity and engagement with communities around the world.
During his first address, he highlighted his vision for unity, stating, “Together we must try to find out how to be a church that builds bridges, establishes dialogue, and is open to receive everybody.” He also expressed a deep connection to Latin America, addressing the crowd in Spanish: “I would particularly like to say hello to my compatriots from Peru. It was a great pleasure for me to work in Peru.”
With his years of dedicated service and international experience, Pope Leo XIV is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Church, shaping a papacy centered on faith, inclusion, and dialogue.
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The post Who is Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pontiff? appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Thursday, May 8, 2025. 12:41 pm CST. Pope Leo XIV – Photo Credit: Vatican News By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Catholic Church has a new
The post Who is Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pontiff? appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.