A New Era Begins: Pope Leo XIV Takes the Helm of the Catholic Church
With the election of Pope Leo XIV, the Catholic Church witnesses a historic moment as he steps into the role of the 267th leader. This monumental event is marked by two firsts: Pope Leo XIV is the first U.S.-born pope and the first from the Augustinian order. His election signals a new chapter for approximately 1.4 billion Catholics globally.
Standing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the world with the words, “Peace be with all of you!” The 69-year-old pontiff expressed his hopes for his peace message to resonate with every individual, regardless of their location, delivering his speech in Italian, Spanish, and Latin.
Pope Leo XIV addressed the public, expressing gratitude to the cardinals for their trust and extending thanks to his former diocese in Peru. He also paid homage to his predecessor, Pope Francis, highlighting the continuity in their shared priorities, particularly concerning environmental issues and outreach to the marginalized.
Social Media Insights Into the New Pope
The College of Cardinals Report, a resource compiled by Vatican journalists, notes that Pope Leo XIV aligns with some of Pope Francis’s priorities, including environmental advocacy and support for migrants and the underprivileged. On his X account, he has been vocal about his views, criticizing certain political stances, supporting vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic, and advocating for justice following George Floyd’s killing. “We need to hear more from leaders in the Church, to reject racism and seek justice,” he tweeted in 2020.
Pope Leo XIV’s Journey
Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, brings a diverse background to the papacy. As reported by Vatican News, he descends from French, Italian, and Spanish ancestry. His academic journey began at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers, followed by a degree in mathematics from Villanova University, and theological studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
His career is notable for his work in Peru, where he served for nearly 20 years. In 2014, he became the Bishop of Chiclayo, then an archbishop and eventually a cardinal. His teaching contributions in canon law, patristics, and moral law have also been significant.
Reflecting on Pope Leo’s election, Rev. Robert Hagan, Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, reminisced about his first encounter with him over dinner. “We are speechless,” Hagan told NPR’s All Things Considered. “We really are, we’re overjoyed. When he appeared on that balcony it was like seeing a family member step up and we’re just so happy. Not just for him but for the world.”
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
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