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Cardinal Robert Prevost elected new Pope

Cardinal Robert Prevost (69) has been elected as the new Pope, becoming the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church

Friday May 9, 2025 11:01 AM, ummid.com with inputs from Agencies

Vatican City: Cardinal Robert Prevost (69) has been elected as the new Pope, becoming the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

The Vatican announced election of US-Peruvian citizen Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new Pope with a puff of white smoke from Sistine Chapel as hundreds of thousands waited outside the St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City.

The American missionary from Chicago, who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, took the name Pope Leo XIV. Prevost also holds Peruvian citizenship due to decades of missionary work in Peru.

Why the name Leo?

The choice of the name Leo XIV is widely seen as a nod to Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903), who is remembered for his emphasis on the Church’s social teachings and workers’ rights.

Vatican observers say the selection indicates a renewed focus on justice, equity, and the Church’s global role in addressing poverty and labour issues.

“By picking the name Leo XIV, he shows he is committed to the social teaching of the Church", Jesuit commentator Rev. Thomas Reese said.

Pope Leo XIV elected the new head of Catholic Christians after the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.

Pope Leo's First Public Address

Appearing for the first time on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo offered three notable signals about the nature of his leadership: his name, his words, and his attire.

His first public words — “La pace sia con tutti voi!” (Peace be with you!) — delivered in Italian, further signalled his focus on global peace.

The message closely echoed recent appeals from cardinals for an end to conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other war-torn regions.

“We still have in our ears that weak, but always courageous voice of Pope Francis,” Leo said, paying tribute to his predecessor, who delivered his final blessing just a day before his passing.

The Pope then offered a heartfelt message: “God loves us, God loves everyone, and evil will not prevail. We are in the hands of God.”

As many as 133 cardinal electors - the most ever, voted in favor of Cardinal Robert Prevost. A two-thirds majority -- at least 89 votes, is needed to get elected as Pope.

The total number of cardinals worldwide is 252. While all cardinals are summoned to the Vatican upon the pope’s death, only those under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in the conclave.

Of the total number of cardinals, 135 are age-eligible to serve as electors. Two electors told the Vatican that they would not be able to participate in the current conclave due to health reasons.

The conclave to elect the new pope ended after the second day of voting on Thursday, marking one of the shortest conclaves in history, according to ABC News.

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