A hot new bombshell has entered the papal villa (aka the Sistine Chapel), and he’s certainly stirring up some waves. Of course, I’m talking about the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.
In the early hours of Friday morning (local time), white smoke was seen billowing out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, indicating that the Cardinals had selected the next pope and the conclave had come to an end. The bells at St. Peter’s Basilica started ringing like crazy as the thousands of people gathered below went bananas waiting to find out who had been bestowed the coveted title.
Punters — and the world in general — were in for a shock when American-born cardinal Robert Prevost was announced as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church.
Upon greeting the cheering crowd, his first words were, “peace be with you all”.
“This is the first greetings of the resurrected Christ, the good shepherd who has given up his life for God. And I should also like this greeting of peace to enter our hearts and our families,” he said.
Prevost was born in Chicago but has spent much of his life working in Peru. He was chosen personally by Pope Francis to lead the Vatican’s bishops’ office.
Prevost will take on the name Pope Leo XIV. While his predecessor took on the name Francis as a nod to Saint Francis of Assisi to indicate his devotion to helping the poor and disenfranchised, Prevost took on a name connected to 15 other popes used before him.
According to an associate professor of history at Syracuse University, Margaret Tompson, it’s a “powerful choice”.
“Leo XIII is considered the father of Catholic social teaching. This signals a potential emphasis on justice, labour, and the church’s role in the modern world,” she said, per USA Today.
The last Pope Leo XIII was in 1878 and he was all about defending human rights and scientific progress. It is believed that our new pope will be following in Pope Francis’ footsteps about advocating for the poor.
While that seems like a good sign, in the past Pope Leo XIV has made comments about being against the ordination of women and didn’t particularly like Francis’ open views about LGBTQIA+ people or issues.
Why is Pope Leo XIV’s selection so surprising?
As mentioned, Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope to ever be selected. Despite spending most of his life in South America, the masses have been a bit shocked to see an American step into the religious top gig.
In fact, with the conclave ending so quickly, many believed that other frontrunners like the Vatican secretary of State, Pietro Parolin or Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle would take the gig.
Better luck next time, divas!!!
Ultimately, this is a very exciting day for the Catholic Church and its followers all around the world. Jokes aside, I sincerely hope Pope Leo XIV has a positive impact on the world.
The post Robert Prevost Becomes First US-Born Pope In History, Will Be Known As Pope Leo XIV appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
