There was white smoke from the Sistine Chapel. Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States was chosen as the new Pope after two days of voting. The man from Chicago, Illinois, now goes by Pope Leo XIV.
Sophomore Jillian Walden said, “Well, it’s important to know that while he is American born, the new pope is also of Peruvian descent. And I think, especially with what’s going on in the political climate right now, having a centralist pope from America who knows first hand the problems we are facing might be exactly what we need.”
Catholics haven’t been the only ones excited about this historic event. It’s been an interesting spectacle, and people have gotten to see a lot of history. People all over the world were watching the news about the pope.
In the crowds waiting for the pope to be seen, you could see flags from all over the world including France, England, Lebanon, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. We could see nuns, friars, and priests in the crowd along with everyday people. Everyone was excited about this, wanting to know the future of the Catholic church.
Walden said, “I think he will continue speaking out about his beliefs. If his beliefs are truly similar to those of the late pope, then he is truly following God’s word, instead of following others’ interpretations that get warped over time.”
Pope Leo XIV was wanted for his love of God and hopes to continue with social justice and care for everyone like the former Pope Francis. He wants unity in the world and wishes that Catholics work as “missionaries of hope.” That is something all religions should learn from.
Pope Leo XIV explained, “God loves everyone, and God is for everyone.”
He served as the head of the church’s Dicastery of Bishops. He also served in Peru and America, holding nationality in both. He was a bishop at Chiclayo, head of the Augustian Seminary in Trujillo, and a missionary. Now, he is the 267th pope.
Walden said, “I would really like the new pope to stand up for the true values of the teachings of our Lord, peace and love to all, and forgiveness of others. Pope Francis demonstrated this perfectly, and I can only pray that Pope Leo XIV will do similarly.”
Pope Leo XIV chose this name because of the significance of it to the Catholic church. He uses this to honor the past popes and priests with this name. Leo means Lion and the name is often symbolized with strength and courage, which Pope Leo XIV will need.
