To be addressed as Pope Leo XIV
Emmanuel Ukudolo l Friday, May 09, 2025
VATICAN, Rome- It was a scene of joy on Thursday at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican City when the much anticipated white smoke bellowed from the chimney in the St. Peter’s basilica heralding the election of a new Pope by the College of Cardinals, which turned out to be an American, Robert Prevost. Robert Prevost has chosen to addressed as Pope Leo XIV.
Born September 14, 1955, he was raised in the United States, Robert Prevost’s journey to the papacy was marked by a deep and abiding faith coupled with a life dedicated to service.
He was educated at a Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.
His intellectual rigor was always grounded in a profound pastoral sensibility.
Prior to his election, Cardinal Prevost served
as head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State.
In this role, he earned a reputation as a compassionate shepherd, deeply engaged with the needs of his flock. He was known for his unwavering commitment to social justice, his open dialogue with people of all faiths and backgrounds, and his tireless work in addressing issues facing marginalized communities.
His homilies were often described as insightful and deeply moving, reflecting both his scholarly background and his genuine connection to the everyday struggles and joys of his people.
Within the College of Cardinals, Prevost was respected for his wisdom, his calm demeanor, and his ability to bridge divides. While not considered a frontrunner by many Vatican observers, his name emerged as a unifying force during the conclave.
His deep understanding of the challenges facing the Church in the 21st century, coupled with his evident humility and genuine warmth, resonated with the cardinal electors.
The choice of the name Leo XIV carries its own weight. It evokes the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, whose encyclical Rerum Novarum championed the rights of workers and laid the groundwork for modern Catholic social teaching. This choice hints at a pontificate likely to be marked by a continued emphasis on social justice, a concern for the poor and vulnerable, and an engagement with the pressing ethical and societal issues of our time.
As Pope Leo XIV stood on the balcony, offering his first blessing Urbi et Orbi (to the city and to the world), a sense of hope filled St. Peter’s Square. The faithful gathered there, and millions more watching around the globe, looked to this new shepherd to guide the Church forward with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith in the years to come.
The era of Leo XIV had begun, carrying with it the promise of continuity and the potential for new directions in the enduring story of the Catholic Church.
