Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV: A New Era for the Vatican
The Vatican has chosen a new pope in a historic conclave that brought together 133 cardinals from across the globe. Cardinal Robert Prevost has been appointed as the new pontiff, and he will henceforth be known as Pope Leo XIV. Born in Chicago, USA, in 1955, Prevost carries French and Italian heritage on his father's side. His journey in the ecclesiastical world began with his novitiate in the Order of Saint Augustine in Saint Louis, where he took his vows in 1981.
Prevost's commitment to his faith saw him travel to Rome to study Canon Law, and he was ordained a priest in 1982 at the age of 28. Shortly thereafter, he was sent on a mission to Peru, specifically to Chulucanas, Piura, from 1985 to 1986. This marked the beginning of his long-standing connection to Peru, where he later obtained citizenship. His dedication was recognized by Pope Francis in 2014 when he was appointed as the apostolic administrator of the diocese of Chiclayo in Peru.
Having worked closely with the late Pope Francis, Prevost emerged as a discreet front-runner in the recent conclave for the papacy. His previous role as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, appointed by Pope Francis in 2023, put him firmly in the spotlight, making him a pivotal figure in the selection of bishops globally.
After securing majority support in the conclave, Cardinal Prevost made the significant decision to adopt the name Leo XIV. This choice has led to some confusion over its pronunciation, a matter that Spanish linguistic authority FundéuRAE took the initiative to clarify on social media. They affirmed that the correct reading is "Leo fourteen" rather than "Leo fourteenth," aligning with the conventions outlined in the Spelling of the Spanish Language regarding Roman numerals Designated for popes.
As Pope Leo XIV embarks on this new chapter, many anticipate how his leadership will reflect the values espoused by Pope Francis while navigating the complexities of the modern world.
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