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Habemus papam: Americanus est! Pope Leo XIV, 267th Supreme Pontiff of 1.4 billion Catholics
On an early, surprise 3rd/4th vote, the white smoke rose among the welcome of seagulls on the rooftop and within an hour, with all due pomp and circumstance, the world welcomed Pope Leo XIV – the first American Pope, a Chicagoan, a graduate of Vanderbilt University, and a Chicago White Sox fan.
Within that hour a small group in the square grew to over 50,000, with Romans said to have brought their sneakers to work so they could run to the Vatican at any moment. From first “smoke” to balcony presentation, it was less than an hour for Pope Leo to be voted, accept, change into his vestments, tailor his speech, take a moment to pray in solitude, and appear on the balcony.
Pope Leo spoke in distinct Italian and fluent Spanish, with no English – with many references of peace and “to all”, his easy smile delighted the world audience. He asked for “Help us and all who build bridges”.
Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, 69, has served for many years as a missionary in Peru, where he became a citizen in 2015, and since 2023 was at the Vatican, working with Pope Francis on the selection of Bishops, including the first time appointing of women to an influential body involved in the nomination of bishops.
Prevost has been elected twice as the top leader of the Augustinian religious order, founded in the 13th century by St. Augustine. The order operates in 50 countries and has a special focus on a life of community and equality among its members.
He is known for driving a small car around Rome, and for being low-key, while active on social media. A Republican who votes in Chicago when he was in-country, though critical of President Trump and VP Vance, particularly on immigration.
His two older brothers said they always knew he was special and joked about him being Pope when he was 6 years old. One of his brothers said he is a big Wordle fan and likes football even more than baseball, but didn’t name the team.
Rev. Fidel Purisaca Vigil, the communications director for Prevost’s old diocese in Chiclayo, remembered the cardinal rising each day and having breakfast with his fellow priests after saying his prayers. “No matter how many problems he has, he maintains good humour and joy,” Purisaca said to France 24.
He is known as a firm supporter of his predecessor’s papacy, and especially of the late pontiff’s commitment to social justice issues.
President Trump said it was a little surprising but a great honor to have an American as Pope.
Pope Leo XIV will say his first mass this morning for the Cardinals.
From His Excellency, Most Reverend Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R. Bishop-Designate of Providence
For some time now, Catholic Rhode Islanders have had the unique and unenviable experience of not only waiting for a new bishop, but also a new pope. Happily, the time of waiting has come to a close.
In this Jubilee Year of Hope, even as we continue with grateful affection to remember Pope Francis, the Holy Spirit, who never disappoints, has seen fit to give us Pope Leo XIV.
Let us join our voices to those of Catholics and People of Good Will around the globe in thanking God for the election of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Please continue to pray for a generous outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon him as he assumes his responsibilities as the Successor of St. Peter.
May Our Lady of Providence watch over our New Pope and keep him always in her care.
From Monsignor Albert A. Kenney, Diocesan Administrator
Gaudium magnum. Great joy. With those words of an age-old formula, a cardinal deacon of the Roman Catholic Church made an historic announcement: Habemus papam – we have a pope!
Following upon the billowing white smoke above the Sistine Chapel and the pealing of the mighty bells of Saint Peter’s, our new pope appeared on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica, Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
The spiritual leader of more than 1.4 billion Roman Catholics worldwide and considered by many to be the moral voice in every age, Pope Leo XIV has many titles but perhaps the most common one, the most simple one, and the most endearing one is Holy Father. Yes, Pope Leo XIV is to be a holy father, taking his mission from the very words of Jesus Himself to the first pope, Saint Peter: Feed my lambs; tend my sheep. Follow Me.
It is a Gaudium magnum that we, the members of the Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Providence receive our new Holy Father. May he always enjoy the intercession of our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Providence as he strives always to lead us to Jesus, the Risen Lord and Savior of all.
God is sending a message to the leaders in the White House – God and our Faith in him is close to home!