Pope Leo XIV will make a “darn good pope,” New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan has said, as the first American-born pontiff led his first Mass as the leader of the Catholic Church.
“We have a pope, and I'm just so honored as a priest, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, as a child of God, as a faithful Catholic, I hope, as a priest, Bishop and Cardinal, to have been a big part of it. And I think you're all excited too,” Dolan said in a video posted to social media.
In his first mass, the pontiff decried that in today's world, people are turning away from faith and instead to "technology, money, success, power, or pleasure."
Leo XIV, formerly Robert Prevost, was elected as the leader of the Catholic Church after more than two-thirds of the cardinals voted for him to succeed the late Pope Francis.
“I just hope you sense that,” Dolan said. “We have a pope... and take my word for it, he's a darn good one.”
The New York Cardinal added he thinks Leo will seek to build bridges with all world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
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Gaza, gay rights, abuse and Trump: How will Pope Leo XIV confront global crisis?
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Key Points
- Pope Leo XIV's schedule for first week as pontiff
- Pope Leo accused of not properly investigating allegations of sex abuse
- Watch: Pope Leo XIV delivers first homily
- Trump reckons with a ‘liberal’ American leader he can’t trash-talk
Cardinal reveals how close real conclave was to the film
09:37 , Jabed Ahmed
Old comments from Pope Leo disappoint LGBTQ+ activists
09:04 , Jabed AhmedPope Leo XIV, in remarks in 2012 when he was the Augustinian prior general in Chicago, made comments critical of what he called the “homosexual lifestyle” and the role of mass media in promoting acceptance of same-sex relationships that conflicted with Catholic doctrine.
The remarks were “disappointing,” said Francis DeBernardo of New Ways Ministry, a US-based group that advocates for greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ Catholics in the church.
“We pray that in the 13 years that have passed, 12 of which were under the papacy of Pope Francis, that his (Leo’s) heart and mind have developed more progressively on LGBTQ+ issues, and we will take a wait-and-see attitude to see if that has happened,” DeBernardo said in a statement.
A 2012 video provided to Catholic News Service, the news agency of the U.S. bishops conference, featured Prevost's address to the World Synod of Bishops against the backdrop of images from popular TV series and movies.
“Western mass media is extraordinarily effective in fostering within the general public enormous sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel, for example, abortion, homosexual lifestyle, euthanasia,” Prevost said.
He singled out “how alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children are so benignly and sympathetically portrayed in television programs and cinema today.”
JD Vance - 'I try not to play the politicization of the Pope game'
09:00 , Rhian LubinVice President JD Vance has said that he tries “not to play the politicization of the Pope game” after it emerged Pope Leo XIV publicly criticized him.
In February, Leo shared an opinion piece from the National Catholic Reporter, titled: “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
He was referring to comments the vice president made about Christians needing to “prioritize” their love.
“I’m sure he’s going to say a lot of things that I love. I’m sure he’ll say some things that I disagree with,” Vance told conservative commentator and radio host Hugh Hewitt Friday. “But I’ll continue to pray for him and the Church despite it all and through it all.”
Vance, who is a Catholic convert, added: “My attitude is, you know, the Church is about saving souls, and about spreading the Gospel. And yeah, it’s going to touch public policy from time to time as all human institutions do, but that’s not really what it’s about.”
Recap | Faith, power and missionary work: Pope Leo's first homily
08:47 , Jabed AhmedPope Leo XIV touched on faith, power and corruption in the homily of the first Mass he celebrated after being elected pontiff.
In impeccable Italian, Leo decried that in today's world "there are many contexts in which the Christian faith is considered something absurd, meant for the weak and unintelligent. Contexts where other certainties are preferred, such as technology, money, success, power, pleasure.
“These are environments where it is not easy to bear witness to, and announce, the Gospel, and where believers are mocked, opposed, despised or at best tolerated and pitied.
“Yet, precisely for this reason, they are the places where mission is urgently needed. Because the lack of faith often carries with it tragedies such as the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, violations of human dignity in the most dramatic manners, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society.”
Papal name historically signifies strength during crisis, Catholic commentator says
08:35 , Jabed AhmedThe election of American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has come as a surprise, Catholic priest and blogger Ed Tomlinson said.
“It seems likely to be a continuation of Francis’s liberalisation,” he told The Independent.
As for his choice of Papal name, Tomlinson said it had a long history.
“The papal name Leo unsurprisingly shows a Pope who is going to be strong during a time of crisis, historically,” he said.
The last pope to choose the name Leo was more than 100 years ago. Pope Leo XIII led the Church from 1878 to 1903. The first pope of the name, Pope Leo the Great, led the church from 440-461.
Pope Leo XI had one of the shortest pontificates in history, lasting less than a month - from 1 April 1605 until his death on 27 April 1605.
Owner of Pope Leo XIV's childhood home pulls it off the market
08:00 , Rhian LubinThe owner of Pope Leo XIV’s childhood Chicago home quickly pulled the listing Thursday after hearing that Robert Prevost had been elected pope, according to Curbed.
Pope Leo’s home where he grew up with his two brothers in Dolton, Illinois, had been for sale for $199,900.
Now, that figure could change according to the listing agent Steve Budzik, who said the house could even become a “museum or viewing center.”
“Every idea’s up in the air right now,” he told the outlet.
New Pope Leo is gentle, calm and unifying, says UK cardinal
07:33 , Jabed AhmedThe new Pope is a “citizen of the world” and the moment he accepted his election inside the secret conclave meeting brought “elation”, a cardinal who was there has said.
The leader of Catholics in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, spoke of a “quite remarkable spirit of fraternity” during the time he and 132 others were sequestered away from the world to elect the new leader.
Cardinal Nichols, who is the Archbishop of Westminster, described Pope Leo XIV as gentle and calm, as well as decisive and unifying.
He told reporters in Rome: “He’s been a teacher, he’s been a diocesan bishop, he’s been a member of the Roman Curia.
“That’s a combination of talents that, I think, once it emerged and we’d reflected on the life of the Church, made it pretty clear that here was a man who was bringing the right depth and breadth of experience to the papacy.”
Watch: Cardinal Dolan jokes New Yorkers need to take it easy on Chicago's Pope Leo
07:00 , Rhian LubinReal conclave was nothing like the film, says cardinal
06:00 , Aine FoxThe conclave to elect Pope Leo XIV was “fraternal” in atmosphere without the high drama of the award-winning film of the same name, a cardinal on the inside has said.
Conclave, released late last year just months before the real-life secret meeting of cardinals in Rome this week, imagined the tension, bureaucracy, twists and turns behind the secret meeting to elect a new leader of the Catholic Church.
But Cardinal Vincent Nichols, leader of Catholics in England and Wales who was taking part in his first conclave, insisted reality could not have been further from the silver screen drama.
Read more.
White Sox fans pay tribute to Pope Leo XIV at baseball game
05:01 , Rhian LubinWhite Sox fans were celebrating Pope Leo XIV at a baseball game in the city on Friday.
The team’s official X account shared a photo of a fan dressed as a pope in tribute to the pontiff, who is a Sox fan.
“Proud moment for Chicago,” White Sox manager Will Venable said before Friday night’s game against Miami. “It’s awesome.”
It was initially reported that the new pope was a Cubs fan. The team congratulated Pope Leo XIV in a post on X that had a picture of Wrigley Field’s iconic marquee with the message: HEY, CHICAGO. HE’S A CUBS FAN!
truly blessed pic.twitter.com/6koGCdwBHq
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 10, 2025
Pope Leo XIV 🤝 Chicago
— White Sox on CHSN (@CHSN_WhiteSox) May 10, 2025
This #WhiteSox fan understood the assignment 👀 pic.twitter.com/8SlrUEkfI8
Pope Leo XIV is a White Sox fan — and the organization is embracing the occasion
03:54 , APIt's the biggest victory for the struggling Chicago White Sox in a long time.
Pope Leo XIV is a White Sox fan — and the organization is embracing the news.
His brother, John Prevost, said the Chicago-born missionary cheered for the White Sox.
“Proud moment for Chicago,” White Sox manager Will Venable said before Friday night’s game against Miami. “It’s awesome.”
It was initially reported that the new pope was a Cubs fan. The team congratulated Pope Leo XIV in a post on X that had a picture of Wrigley Field’s iconic marquee with the message: HEY, CHICAGO. HE’S A CUBS FAN!
Read on.
Pope Leo XIV is a White Sox fan — and the organization is embracing the occasion
Sketch: Woke Pope? Trump reckons with a ‘liberal’ American leader he can’t trash-talk
02:20 , Richard HallWere Donald Trump’s ears burning as the cardinals gathered in conclave at the Sistine Chapel? Is it inconceivable that the president’s name was uttered in hushed tones in some corner of the historic sanctuary, under Michelangelo's Adam, to sway a vote in favor of an American?
It’s of course a liberal fantasy to think that Pope Leo XIV was elected head of the ancient Catholic Church to handle the fleeting earthly man in the White House, but President Trump will nonetheless have to reckon with a fellow American, a leader on the world stage, who has spoken out against his policies and will likely continue to do so from perhaps the only bully pulpit to rival the Resolute Desk, writes Richard Hall.
Read the full sketch below.
Woke Pope? Trump reckons with a ‘liberal’ American leader he can’t trash-talk
ICYMI watch: Pope Leo XIV delivers first homily
01:20 , Rhian LubinOwner of Pope Leo XIV's childhood home pulls it off the market
Saturday 10 May 2025 00:50 , Rhian LubinThe owner of Pope Leo XIV’s childhood Chicago home quickly pulled the listing Thursday after hearing that Robert Prevost had been elected pope, according to Curbed.
Pope Leo’s home where he grew up with his two brothers in Dolton, Illinois, had been for sale for $199,900.
Now, that figure could change according to the listing agent Steve Budzik, who said the house could even become a “museum or viewing center.”
“Every idea’s up in the air right now,” he told the outlet.
Vatican shares official record confirming Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost
Saturday 10 May 2025 00:20 , Rhian LubinHere is the official record confirming that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost accepted the election canonically making him Supreme Pontiff and the name he has chosen.
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 9, 2025
The document was drawn up by the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, Monsignor Diego Giovanni Ravelli,… pic.twitter.com/ZTpgS7ZweI
Pope Leo spent first night as pope visiting former colleagues
Friday 9 May 2025 23:50 , Rhian LubinPope Leo XIV paid a visit to his previous residence, the Sant’Uffizio Palace, and surprised his former colleagues on his first night as pontiff.
So glad to meet and congratulate our new synodal Pope coming back to our Palazzo where he was living !! pic.twitter.com/UyrL90qflz
— Sr Nathalie Becquart, xmcj (@SrNatB) May 8, 2025
King Charles III sent private congratulations to Pope Leo XIV
Friday 9 May 2025 23:44 , Rhian LubinThe King has sent a private message to Pope Leo XIV, congratulating him on his election as the 267th pontiff and Bishop of Rome, Buckingham Palace said.
JD Vance - 'I try not to play the politicization of the Pope game'
Friday 9 May 2025 23:24 , Rhian LubinVice President JD Vance has said that he tries “not to play the politicization of the Pope game” after it emerged Pope Leo XIV publicly criticized him.
In February, Leo shared an opinion piece from the National Catholic Reporter, titled: “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
He was referring to comments the vice president made about Christians needing to “prioritize” their love.
“I’m sure he’s going to say a lot of things that I love. I’m sure he’ll say some things that I disagree with,” Vance told conservative commentator and radio host Hugh Hewitt Friday. “But I’ll continue to pray for him and the Church despite it all and through it all.”
Vance, who is a Catholic convert, added: “My attitude is, you know, the Church is about saving souls, and about spreading the Gospel. And yeah, it’s going to touch public policy from time to time as all human institutions do, but that’s not really what it’s about.”
ICYMI: Harry Styles was spotted in the crowd as Pope Leo XIV was elected
Friday 9 May 2025 22:50 , Rhian LubinHarry Styles was spotted among the crowds gathered in Saint Peter’s Square in the Vatican as Pope Leo XIV was elected as the late Pope Francis’s successor.
A photo emerged of the One Director star among the crowds wearing sunglasses, a blue jacket, and a grey baseball cap emblazoned with the message: “Techno is My Boyfriend.”
Fans are, predictably, going wild over the photo.
Roisin O’Connor reports.
Harry Styles fans go wild as pop star spotted at the Vatican
Pope Leo accused of failing to properly investigate allegations of child sexual abuse
Friday 9 May 2025 22:20 , Rhian LubinPope Leo has been accused of failing to properly investigate allegations of child sexual abuse against priests in his churches in Chicago and Peru.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests says it made the Vatican aware of Robert Prevost’s reported inaction on the allegations when he was a cardinal, filing an official complaint with Vatican officials against him in March. The group says it has not had a response.
The allegations focus on Leo not opening a formal church investigation into claimed sexual abuse carried out by two priests in the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, which the pontiff led from 2014 to 2023, as well as allowing a priest accused of sexually abusing children in Chicago to live near a school.
Tom Watling reports.
-copy.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
Pope Leo accused of not properly investigating allegations of child sexual abuse
Vatican confirms Pope Leo XIV’s schedule for his first week as pontiff
Friday 9 May 2025 21:49 , Rhian LubinThe Vatican has released Pope Leo XIV’s schedule for his first week as pontiff, per The Associated Press:
- Saturday May 10 he will meet with the Cardinals
- Sunday May 11 he is set to deliver his first noon blessing from the loggia
- Monday May 12 he has an audience with the media
- Friday May 16 he will meet with global diplomats
- Sunday May 18 he will celebrate his first Mass at St. Peter’s Square
- Wednesday May 21 he will holds his first general audience
The new Pope has also been invited to travel to Turkey at the end of May to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea – a landmark event in Christian history and an important moment in Catholic-Orthodox relations.
Dalai Lama sends well wishes, says Pope Leo's election 'brings new hope'
Friday 9 May 2025 21:10 , Isabel KeaneThe Tibetan Buddhist leader on Friday sent well wishes in a letter to Pope Leo XIV.
“When the world is witnessing so many challenges, your election brings new hope not just to the Catholic community, but to people everywhere who are seeking a happier life in a more compassionate, peaceful world,” he wrote.
In the letter, the 14th Dalai Lama also expressed his pleasure at having met several of Pope Leo XIV’s predecessors and expressed his commitment to fostering inter-religious harmony.
Pope Leo is a 'somewhat surprising' choice: Official at the world's only Edmundite college
Friday 9 May 2025 20:41 , Isabel KeanePope Leo XIV is a “somewhat surprising” choice as pontiff, according to an official at the world’s only Edmundite college.
Father David Theroux, the vice president of Edmundite Mission at St. Michael’s College, said it was a shock the conclave chose an American to fill the role.
“The choice of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV is somewhat surprising — not because of who he is or what he has done in his ministry — but because the expectation was that an American would not be chosen as the next pope,” Theroux said.
Theroux noted Pope Leo XIV’s similarities to his predecessor but said faithful should not expect him to “upend traditional Catholic teaching.”
“Like Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV believes in dialogue with others who hold differing beliefs,” he said.
In comments, Theroux later noted that the Pope would now have to answer to a worldwide church -- instead of just his former ministry in Peru.
“This could very well change Pope Leo XIV's perspective and understanding of what he is called to do.”
Pope Leo watched Conclave movie and played Wordle before being elected new pontiff, brother reveals
Friday 9 May 2025 20:20 , Mike BediganPope Leo spent the days leading up to the secretive vote in the Vatican that would make him the first American head of the Catholic Church watching the film Conclave so he knew what to expect, his brother has revealed.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, emerged on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on Thursday night as the 267th pontiff, following four rounds of voting during the conclave.
Tom Watling has the full story:
Pope Leo watched Conclave movie days before historic Vatican vote, brother reveals
White House says there is no bad blood between Trump and new Pope
Friday 9 May 2025 20:00 , Mike BediganThe White House says there is no bad blood between Donald Trump and the new pope, Leo XIV, despite the latter’s apparent criticism of JD Vance previously.
In a briefing on Friday, press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated a post by the president on Truth Social on Thursday, in which he hailed Leo.
“He is very proud to have an American pope,” Leavitt in response the prior social media posts. “It’s a great thing for the United States of America and for the world, and we are praying for him.”
As a cardinal, Leo – previously Cardinal Robert Prevost – posted online challenging the vice president’s interpretation of Catholic theology.
Villanova University celebrates alumnus Pope Leo XIV
Friday 9 May 2025 19:40 , Mike BediganVillanova University has congratulated its alumnus, Robert Prevost on his election as pope.
Leo completed his undergraduate studies at Villanova, in Pennsylvania, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1977.
Today, we joyously celebrate the election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, a moment of profound significance for the global Church. A Villanova alumnus, Pope Leo XIV is the first Pope from the United States and the first Augustinian friar to be elected.https://t.co/ObBq4dgJya pic.twitter.com/dwlNiPw0lT
— Villanova University (@VillanovaU) May 8, 2025
Watch: Cardinal Dolan says Robert Prevost will make a 'darn good pope'
Friday 9 May 2025 19:20 , Mike BediganUS cardinals celebrate to ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ and ‘American Pie’
Friday 9 May 2025 19:00 , The Associated PressSpeakers blasted the songs as the U.S. electors shared their thoughts on the first American-born pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost – now Pope Leo XIV.
“I took a look at Bob and he had his head in his hands and I was praying for him,” said Cardinal Joseph Tobin – Archbishop of Newark – describing the moment when he cast his vote in the Sistine Chapel. “And then when he accepted, it was like it was made for him.”
The cardinals met on a stage decorated with the Stars and Stripes and a Vatican flag at the Pontifical North American College.
Some said Prevost’s U.S. nationality wasn’t a factor. They were most concerned with “who among us can bring us together, who among us can strengthen the faith and bring the faith to places where it has grown weak,” Cardinal Wilton Gregory said.
Is Pope Leo XIV a Chicago White Sox or Chicago Cubs fan?
Friday 9 May 2025 18:40 , Mike BediganAs Chicago-native Robert Francis Prevost walked out on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, sports fans in unison had one question.
James Liddell answers the all-important question: Does the American Pope root for the Chicago Cubs or the Chicago White Sox?
Watch: Cardinal Dolan jokes New Yorkers need to take it easy on Chicago's Pope Leo
Friday 9 May 2025 18:20 , Mike BediganPope Leo spent first night as pontiff in his old apartment
Friday 9 May 2025 18:00 , Mike BediganRobert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, chose to spend his first night as pontiff at his old residence, in a sign he may break with tradition.
Leo spent Thursday night in the Sant’Uffizio Palace, and not the Apostolic Palace where popes traditionally reside, Vatican news reported.
Francis chose to live in an apartment in the Santa Maria guest house.
In his first hours as pope, Leo went back to his old apartment to see colleagues, according to selfies posted to social media.
Vatican Media also showed him praying in the moments after his election before emerging on the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet Rome and the world.
Watch: New York cardinal says his family are thankful he's not the new pope
Friday 9 May 2025 17:40 , Mike BediganWhat will Trump’s relationship be like with the new pope?
Friday 9 May 2025 17:20 , Rachel ClunA Vatican expert predicts a potentially challenging dynamic between the newly elected Pope Leo XIV and US President Donald Trump.
While President Trump expressed excitement and honour at an American leading the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church, the Pope's past social media activity suggests potential friction.
But UK theologian Professor Anna Rowlands, who met Pope Leo XIV hours after his election, believes the new pontiff will navigate these complexities with a balance of diplomacy and conviction.
Read more below:
Vatican expert has their say on Trump’s relationship with the new pope
Vatican confirms more of Pope Leo XIV’s commitments
Friday 9 May 2025 17:00 , Mike BediganThe Vatican has confirmed more of Leo XIV’s commitments, per The Associated Press:
- Saturday, he meets with the Cardinals
- Sunday, he is set to deliver his first noon blessing from the loggia
- Monday, he has an audience with the media
- Friday May 16, he meets with global diplomats
- Sunday May 18, he celebrates his first Mass at St. Peter’s Square
- Wednesday May 21, he holds his first general audience
The new Pope has also been invited to travel to Turkey at the end of May to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea – a landmark event in Christian history and an important moment in Catholic-Orthodox relations.
Dolan hopes New Yorkers will not have a 'grudge' against Pope because he's from Chicago
Friday 9 May 2025 16:40 , Mike BediganCardinal Timothy Dolan has said he does not want New York Catholics holding “a grudge” against the new Pope because he is from Chicago.
Robert Prevost, who was elected as Pope Leo XIV, on Thursday, grew up on the city’s south side.
“I just hope that you all in New York don’t have a grudge against Pope Leo because he’s from Chicago, we need to get that out of the way,” Dolan, who is the Archbishop of New York, said in a video on Friday.
“What’s beautiful about it is the very fact that... I mean, we, the people of the United States are proud.”
He added: “At least nobody’s ever going to ask me ‘do you think there’s going to be an American pope?’ Well we got one!”
Dolan also pointed out that technically there had already been a Pope from “the Americas” in Leo’s predecessor Pope Francis.
One day after Pope Leo XIV was elected, @CardinalDolan speaks to The Good Newsroom audiences from the North American College.
— The Good Newsroom (@thegnewsroom) May 9, 2025
Watch the video here: https://t.co/3XWfWHJ1z4 pic.twitter.com/gk4zBi3joV
Cardinal Dolan says Robert Prevost will be a 'darn good pope'
Friday 9 May 2025 16:20 , Mike BediganIn a video posted to his social media, American cardinal Timothy Dolan said his compatriot Robert Prevost would be a “darn good pope.”
“We have a pope, and I'm just so honored as as as a priest, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, as a child of God, as a faithful Catholic, I hope, as a priest, Bishop and Cardinal, to have been a big part of it. And I think you're all excited too,” he said.
“It's a great moment of exhilaration and hope and promise for the church. And I just hope you sense that.
“We have a pope... and take my word for it, he's a darn good one.”
Dolan said he would be staying in Rome for the inauguration of Prevost – who will be known as Pope Leo XIV – before returning to New York.
“I miss you but I appreciate your prayers and your solidarity,” he said.
Cardinal Dolan says his family is 'glad' he's not Pope
Friday 9 May 2025 16:05 , Mike BediganAmerican Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who participated in the papal conclave that elected his fellow American Robert Prevost as pope, says his family is “glad” he was not chosen as pontiff.
In a video posted online, Dolan said his nephew – who was born on the day Pope Francis had been selected – said that his whole family had been “crying and cheering” at the news.
“[He said] ‘I'm glad you're not Pope, because we want you to come back home’,” Dolan said.
“I'm kind of glad for the church that I'm that I'm not Pope either, but it's a great it's a great moment of exhilaration and hope and promise for the church,” he added.
Pope Leo will want to build bridges with Trump, Cardinal says
Friday 9 May 2025 15:44 , Rachel ClunAmerican Cardinal Timothy Dolan says Pope Leo XIV will ‘want to build bridges to Donald Trump’.
“We would look to Pope Leo as a bridge builder. That's what the Latin word pontiff means,” he said.
“He's a bridge builder. He want to build bridges to Donald Trump, I suppose, but he would want to build bridges with the leader of every nation.”
Pope Leo XIV has already been criticised by Maga commentators as a “WOKE MARXIST POPE”, and the Pope had previously shared social media posts critical of the US President.
American Cardinals how Robert Prevost talked to colleagues ahead of and during conclave
Friday 9 May 2025 15:40 , Rachel ClunAmerican Cardinals are detailing how Chicago-born Robert Prevost was elected as Pope on Thursday.
Asked by a reporter whether Cardinal Prevost had said anything that might have affected the conclave’s decision, Cardinal Wilton Gregory said he spoke well in small groups as well as to the general congregation.
“He engaged quite effectively in the smaller group conversations,” he said.
“There were many other cardinals who were not voters our senior brothers, who are also participants in the congregations. But a lot of dialogue occurred at meal time, coffee break, those moments when you can engage one another in smaller groups.”
Cardinal Gregory, who was Archbishop of Washington from 2019 to 2025, continued: “I did, on one occasion, talk to Cardinal Prevost, and we talked about Chicago, of course, but it wasn't that he got up and made this overwhelmingly convincing speech that just wowed the body.”
Meetings with diplomats and first public mass: Pope Leo’s agenda for coming days
Friday 9 May 2025 15:33 , Rachel ClunThe Vatican have released the details of the new Pope’s official engagements over the coming 10 days.
Tomorrow, he meets with the cardinals, and on Sunday he will recite the Regina Caeli prayer from the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica - his second public appearance from the balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square.
On Monday, he will meet accredited world press, and then on Friday he will meet the Heads of Mission of the diplomatic corps.
His next public event will be on Sunday 18 May, when he delivers a mass marking the beginning of his pontificate in St Peter’s Square, and his first general audience will follow on 21 May.
Former protégé describes the new American leader of the Catholic Church
Friday 9 May 2025 15:18 , Rachel ClunFather Rob Hagan had always referred to him as “Bob”.
Now, he said, “referring to him as Pope Leo XIV is just an honour.”
In an interview with The Independent, Fr Hagan said Pope Leo was “incredibly bright” and speaks several languages, but he was also a kind person.
“He has a real approachability and warmth, a twinkle in his eye, he’s really a gift to the church and to the world.”
Read the full interview below:
A ‘twinkle in his eye’: Former protégé describes American set to lead Catholic Church
Pope warns against choosing technology and power over faith
Friday 9 May 2025 15:03 , Rachel ClunIn his first homily as Pope earlier today, Pope Leo XIV warned against choosing “technology, money, success, power or pleasure” over Christian faith, and said it was one of the reasons it was ever more important to carry out the work of the Church.
Here’s more of what he said in his first Mass:
Even today, there are many settings in which the Christian faith is considered absurd, meant for the weak and unintelligent. Settings where other securities are preferred, like technology, money, success, power, or pleasure.
These are contexts where it is not easy to preach the Gospel and bear witness to its truth, where believers are mocked, opposed, despised or at best tolerated and pitied.
Yet, precisely for this reason, they are the places where our missionary outreach is desperately needed. A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society.
Peru filled with 'pride and hope' after election of Pope Leo
Friday 9 May 2025 14:52 , Rachel ClunPeru’s president Dina Boluarte says the country is filled with “pride and hope” after Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as Pope.
The Pope had called Peru home for many years and is a citizen of the South American Nation. He served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023, after he was appointed to the role by Pope Francis.
“His election fills our nation, which was his home, his mission and his faith, with pride and hope,” Ms Boluarte said.
“May his pontificate be a guide of peace, justice and love for the world.”
In pictures: Leo delivers first homily as Pope
Friday 9 May 2025 14:37 , Rachel ClunIn the Sistine Chapel where less than 24 hours earlier he had been elected as Pope, Leo XIV delivered a homily during Holy Mass.
Pope Leo accused of failing to properly investigate allegations of child sexual abuse in his church
Friday 9 May 2025 14:22 , Tom WatlingPope Leo has been accused of failing to properly investigate allegations of child sexual abuse against priests in his churches in Chicago and Peru.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) say they have made the Vatican well aware of the then-Cardinal Robert Prevost’s reported inaction on the allegations, filing an official complaint with Vatican officials against the new Pope in March. They say they have not had a response.
Read that full report here:
Pope Leo accused of not properly investigating allegations of child sexual abuse
Childhood neighbour predicted Robert Prevost would become Pope
Friday 9 May 2025 14:07 , APOne of Pope Leo XIV's neighbours intuited when he was still a young boy that he would someday become pope.
John Prevost, one of Leo's brothers, says he thinks it happened when Leo was in first grade.
"One of the neighbourhood ladies across the street said to him, 'You will be the first American pope,"' he said. "How she did that, who knows?"
Pope Leo's family reveal his days before the conclave
Friday 9 May 2025 13:52 , Tom WatlingPope Leo spent the days leading up to the secretive vote in the Vatican that would make him the first American head of the Catholic Church watching the film Conclave so he knew what to expect, his brother has revealed.
John Prevost, described the moment he found out that his younger sibling had been named the new head of the Catholic Church.
“I was in this moment of disbelief that this cannot be possible because it's too far from what we thought would happen," John told NBC from his home in New Lenox, Illinois.
When asked if Pope Leo would have watched the film Conclave for inspiration, John said he had. "So he knew how to behave. So it's that kind of stuff, because I wanted to take his mind off of it, laugh about something, because this is now an awesome responsibility," John added.
Read more of what Pope Leo’s siblings said below:
Pope Leo watched Conclave movie days before historic Vatican vote, brother reveals
Pope Leo will not change Vatican leadership roles yet
Friday 9 May 2025 13:37 , Rachel ClunThe Vatican says the new Pope will not change the leadership roles within the city-state just yet.
“His Holiness Leo XIV has expressed the desire that the Heads and Members of the Institutions of the Roman Curia, as well as the Secretaries, and the President of the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State, continue, provisionally, in their respective roles until further notice,” the Vatican said in a statement.
“The Holy Father wishes, in fact, to reserve a certain time for reflection, prayer and dialogue, before any definitive appointment or confirmation.”
Analysis: Is Leo XIV the Pope who's going to take on Trump?
Friday 9 May 2025 13:22 , Rachel ClunA clue as to how Prevost sees his role as leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics comes in his choice of papal name, Catherine Pepinster writes.
In the Catholic world, a Leo is seen as a reformer pope. And the new Pope could prove no laughing matter for the US president and his team.
Read her full analysis below:
Watch: Maga melt down over 'woke marxist pope'
Friday 9 May 2025 13:07 , Rachel ClunTrump welcomes new American pope with 'excitement'
Friday 9 May 2025 12:52 , Rachel ClunDonald Trump welcomed the news that an American had been elected Pope with “excitement”.
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope,” he wrote on his TruthSocial platform.
“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
The congratulations came despite Leo XIV previously sharing criticisms of Trump’s administration on social media.
Read more about the Pope’s thoughts on White House policies here
Watch: Brother reveals Pope Leo watched Conclave and played Wordle before he was elected
Friday 9 May 2025 12:37 , Rachel ClunFormer US presidents congratulate ‘historic’ first American Pope
Friday 9 May 2025 12:23 , Rachel ClunFormer US presidents have welcomed the news of the first American pope.
Joe Biden, a devout Catholic, said: “Habemus papam - May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois.”
“Jill and I congratulate him and wish him success.”
Barack Obama said he and Michelle sent their congratulations to “a fellow Chicagoan”.
“This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith,” he said.
Bill Clinton echoed that sentiment.
“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV spoke to billions—Catholics and non-Catholics alike—calling for unity and offering peace, a message the world needs now more than ever,” he said.
“As the first American to lead the Catholic Church, his election marks a historic moment. I join in wishing His Holiness many blessings.”
Pope Leo laments misunderstanding of Christian faith
Friday 9 May 2025 12:09 , Rachel Clun, APEarlier, in his first homily as Pope, Leo XIV lamented the fact that in many parts of the world, Christianity is "considered absurd," or as something for weak and unintelligent people.
He also complained that in many places Jesus is misunderstood, "reduced to a kind of charismatic leader or superman."
"This is true not only among non-believers but also among many baptised Christians, who thus end up living, at this level, in a state of practical atheism," he said.
"Yet, precisely for this reason, they are the places where our missionary outreach is desperately needed. A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society."
The cardinals applauded as the Mass concluded.
Leo was seen wearing simple black shoes, not the red loafers of the papacy preferred by some traditionalist popes.
What is the history behind the name Leo?
Friday 9 May 2025 11:54 , Rachel ClunThe former cardinal Robert Prevost chose the name Leo as his papal name, becoming the 14th Pope to do so.
The choice has been fairly widely credited to the last Pope to hold that name, Pope Leo XIII, who headed the church from 1878 to 1903.
Leo XIII was known for his devoted focus on social justice issues, and is often credited with laying the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching.
Another Leo had one of the shortest pontificates in history. Pope Leo XI lasted from 1 April 1605 until his death on 27 April 1605.
Read more about the history of papal names here:
Pope Leo XIV: What the new pope’s name choice says about his future plans
More images from Holy Mass in the Sistine Chapel
Friday 9 May 2025 11:39 , Rachel Clun, ReutersLeo XIV celebrated his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel with the same cardinals who elected him as Pope less than a day ago.
The former Cardinal Robert Prevost and the first American Pope wore white and gold vestments and looked serene as he said the Mass in the famous, frescoed chapel.
Church must light 'the dark nights of this world'
Friday 9 May 2025 11:26 , ReutersIn his first mass as Pope, Leo XIV painted the spiritual picture of the Church he would like to see under his papacy.
"God has .... entrusted this treasure to me so that, with his help, I may be its faithful administrator for the sake of the entire mystical Body of the Church," he said in his homily.
"He has done so in order that she may be ever more fully a city set on a hill, an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumiates the dark nights of this world," he added, according to the official translation.
The 1.4 billion-member Church, was great not because of "the magnificence of her structures or the grandeur of her buildings, but rather through the holiness of her members."
Watch: Pope Leo XIV addresses cardinals
Friday 9 May 2025 11:21 , Rachel ClunIn pictures: Pope Leo delivers first Holy Mass in Sistine Chapel
Friday 9 May 2025 11:08 , Rachel ClunLeo XIV is leading his first mass as Pope.
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The Pope's full English comments at the beginning of his homily
Friday 9 May 2025 10:53 , Rachel ClunWhile Pope Leo XIV delivered his homily in Italian, he began with some words in English.
Here are those remarks in full:
I begin with a word in English and the rest is in Italian, but I want to repeat the words from the responsorial Psalm: ‘I will sing a new song to the lrod because he has done marvels’.
And indeed, not just with me, but with all of us my brother cardinals, as we celebrate this morning I invite you to recognise the marvels that the Lord has done, the blessing the lord continues to pour out upon all of us.
Through the ministry of Peter, you have called me to carry that cross and to be blessed with that mission, and I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me as we continue as a church, as a community of friends of Jesus as believers, to announce the good news, to announce the gospel.
Pope says: ‘Recognise the marvels the Lord has done’
Friday 9 May 2025 10:37 , Rachel ClunPope Leo XIV has begun his address in English.
He called on the gathered cardinals and the faithful watching to “recognise the marvels the Lord has done”.
“You have called me to carry that cross, to be blessed with that mission,” he said.
“I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me as we continue as a church, as a community of friends of Jesus as believers, to announce the good news, to announce the gospel.”
Watch: Pope Leo XIV enters Sistine Chapel to caelebrate his first Mass as pontiff
Friday 9 May 2025 10:29 , Rachel ClunPope leading mass in prayer
Friday 9 May 2025 10:21 , Rachel ClunThe new Pope has opened the special mass at the sistine chapel, acknowledging his sins, and then led the congregation in a prayer.
A bible reading is now being read in English.
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King Charles II sent private congratulations to Pope Leo XIV
Friday 9 May 2025 10:15 , Rachel ClunThe King has sent a private message to Pope Leo XIV, congratulating him on his election as the 267th pontiff and Bishop of Rome, Buckingham Palace said.
Entrance procession enters Sistine Chapel
Friday 9 May 2025 10:10 , Rachel ClunThe entrance procession for the Holy Mass has begun.
The choir is singing as the Pope walks into the chapel, holding a large gold crucifix.
Cardinals are seated in Sistine chapel for first mass
Friday 9 May 2025 10:07 , Rachel ClunDressed all in white, the cardinals have gathered in the Sistine Chapel for Pope Leo XIV’s first mass.
Just yesterday afternoon, they were gathered in the same chapel to decide who should be the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Watch live: Leo XIV to give first mass as Pope
Friday 9 May 2025 09:52 , Rachel ClunLeo XIV is delivering his first mass as Pope. Watch it live:
Suggestions that Parolin stepped back to allow Prevost to gain papacy
Friday 9 May 2025 09:42 , Rachel ClunThe deliberations of the conclave are meant to be secret.
However, Italian media have been speculating about how American Cardinal Robert Prevost won the papal election, beating several other favourites.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the second most senior Vatican official under Pope Francis, had been the firm favourite to win going into the conclave, and Corriere della Sera reports he secured a chunk of votes but not enough to gain a two-thirds majority.
The news outlet said there have been stories that Parolin then stepped back, in favour of Prevost.
Given the vow of secrecy the cardinals took at the beginning of the conclave, it’s unlikely we will ever know for certain how the vote played out - unless the Pope himself decides to divulge it.
Watch: New Pope blesses people hours after his election
Friday 9 May 2025 09:29 , Rachel ClunWorld leaders congratulate new Pope
Friday 9 May 2025 09:16 , Rachel ClunCongratulations have poured in from leaders around the world after the secret conclave elected American Cardinal Robert Prevost as the next Pope.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he looked forward to continuing the cooperation between the UN and the Vatican to build “a just and sustainable world for all”.
“Our world is in need of the strongest voices for peace, social justice, human dignity & compassion,” he said.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the Pope’s first public remarks were a “powerful call” for peace and responsibility in a time of conflict and unrest.
“A spiritual legacy that follows the path traced by Pope Francis, and that Italy looks at with respect and hope,” she said.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also shared his congratulations, and said he was looking forward to meeting the Pope soon.
The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and around the world.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 8, 2025
I look forward to meeting the Holy Father soon. pic.twitter.com/kcXXDCAWk0
Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he offered his “prayers and best wishes” to Pope Leo XIV.
“At a time of global challenges, may his pontificate carry forward a mission of solidarity, compassion, and dignity for all,” he said.
Watch: The moment Leo XIV is declared Pope
Friday 9 May 2025 09:01Donald Trump has welcomed the first American Pope, despite Leo XIV’s previous criticism
Friday 9 May 2025 08:46 , Rachel ClunThe US President has sent his well wishes to the new American Pope, even though Leo XIV has previously been critical of the president’s policies.
Robert Prevost had previously shared social media posts critical of the White House’s treatment of migrants.
One scathing post he retweeted read: “There is nothing remotely Christian, American, or morally defensible about a policy that takes children away from their parents and warehouses them in cages. This is being carried out in our name and the shame is on us all.”
Read the full report below:
Brother describes moment pope's name was announced: 'Niece began screaming'
Friday 9 May 2025 07:35 , Shweta SharmaWhen white smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel revealing that a new pope had been chosen, John Prevost turned on his television in Illinois, called the new pope’s niece and they watched in awe as his brother's name was announced.
"She started screaming because it was her uncle and I was in the moment of disbelief that this cannot be possible because it's too far from what we thought would happen," Mr Prevost said Thursday in an interview with The Associated Press from his home in New Lenox, Illinois.
Next, he said he felt an intense sense of pride that his brother, Cardinal Robert Prevost, had become the 267th pontiff to lead the Catholic Church, making the Chicago-born missionary the first US pope.
"It's quite an honour; it's quite a once in a lifetime," he said. "But I think it's quite a responsibility and I think it's going to lead to bigger and better things, but I think people are going to watch him very closely to see what he's doing."
John Prevost described his brother as being very concerned for the poor and those who don't have a voice.
He said he expects him to be a "second Pope Francis."
"He's not going to be real far left and he's not going to be real far right," he added. "Kind of right down the middle."
MAGA melts down over ‘WOKE MARXIST POPE’ who is a ‘Never Trumper liberal’
Friday 9 May 2025 07:30 , Rhian LubinIt didn’t take long for right-wing media figures and MAGA provocateurs to cry out in rage over the election of Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV after it was revealed that he’d publicly criticized Vice President JD Vance and expressed sympathy for immigrants and George Floyd.
Despite feeling national pride over the fact that the Chicago-born Prevost has become the first American pope in history, conservative pundits and Trump loyalists fumed over the “WOKE MARXIST POPE” and complained that he is “worse than Francis,” referencing the previous pontiff known for his progressive values.
Even before the “dark horse” American cardinal was elected the 267th pope, former Trump chief strategist Steve Bannon warned about Prevost’s views, claiming that he would be a poor choice for the MAGA movement.
Justin Baragona reports.
MAGA melts down over ‘WOKE MARXIST POPE’ who is a ‘Never Trumper liberal’
