In a historic moment for the novel Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the 69 -year -old United States has been chosen as the new Pope, taking the name of Pope Leo XIV. It becomes the first American to ascend to papacy in the history of more than two thousand years of the Church.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV worked more recently as head of the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful role that supervises the global appointment of bishops. He was appointed for this position for his predecessor, Pope Francis, in 2023. Before that, previously decades working in Peru, where hero double American-Peruvian citizenship and was widely respected by his pastoral work and promotion by marginalized communities.
The decision of the Cardinals College marks a significant milestone not only for church leadership, but also because of its global reach and evolving identity. While the American cardinals have a long influence of heroes within the Vatican, none had selected as a pontiff.
Pope Leo XIV is widely considered a centrist within the church hierarchy, with progressive inclinations in social issues. Like Pope Francis, he has spent consulting with the poor and marginalized, a commitment that has given shape to both his pastoral style and his global reputation.
His choice comes at a time of search and continuous reform of the soul within the Catholic Church, since it dealt with internal divisions, a decreasing number of clergy in the West, and requires greater transparency and inclusion. Observers say that Leo XIV’s international experience and pragmatic leadership style could help unite ideological divisions.
The new Pontiff has spent the last years living in Rome, where he played a key role in the configuration of the future of the Church by guiding the selection of bishops worldwide. Your background is expected in South America and long -standing ties with the Global South to report your priorities as Pope.
Pope Leo XIV happens to Pope Francis, who died earlier this year at the age of 88.
