Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago, USA, was elected as the new Pope, taking the name Leo XIV.
His election marks a new era for the Roman Catholic Church, as he is the first American Pope in history. Pope Leo is seen by many as a successor to Pope Francis, with whom he shares common values and views.
It should be noted that he was not among the favorites, while he has served for many years in Peru and is considered moderate, with progressive ideas on certain issues, while he has embraced groups of marginalized people.
Speaking to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square yesterday, he sent a message of peace to the whole world. The 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church thanked Pope Francis in his message and reiterated his predecessor's call for a Church that "will always seek peace, charity and be close to people, especially those who suffer."
In the footsteps of Pope Francis
Despite the surprise of his election, Pope Leo XIV wishes to continue the work of Pope Francis, which was characterized by the promotion of peace, love and solidarity. In his first message from the Vatican, he referred to Pope Francis, describing peace as “humble and persistent” and calling on all the faithful to unite under the light of God.
The new Pope expressed his desire to build bridges with all people, regardless of their origin, and to promote peaceful coexistence.
A new era for Latin American immigrants
Pope Leo, with deep roots in Latin America, has expressed his support for Latin American immigrants, particularly in the U.S. Colombian President Gustavo Petro welcomed his election and expressed hope that Pope Leo will become a great leader for immigrants, defending their rights and amplifying the voices of those who are marginalized.
Pope Leo, who has lived in Peru for many decades and has developed strong ties to Latin America, may bring this experience to his papacy, focusing his attention on migrants and the injustices they face.
Striving for balance between progressives and conservatives
Pope Leo XIV faces the challenge of balancing the Vatican's progressive and conservative tendencies. While his vision is consistent with Pope Francis' reforms, his election suggests he will also try to appease the conservative forces in the Church, which have influenced his decisions.
The choice of the traditional red papal cassock, in contrast to the more simple and humble appearance of Pope Francis, indicates that Pope Leo wishes to honor the traditions of the Church while at the same time moving forward with his agenda for a more open and welcoming world.
The "practical" approach of the new Pope
Robert Prevost, with a degree in mathematics and experience in management, is known for his practical approach. Analysts believe that his mathematical background will help him "calculate" his next moves correctly and prevent any conflicts. His ability to combine the scientific and spiritual elements of leadership may be a powerful tool in his tenure.
The next day in the Catholic Church
Pope Leo is expected to begin his work immediately, with his first mass scheduled for Friday (9/5). This shows his desire to accelerate the transition in leadership and focus on the needs of the Church and the faithful, while also trying to bring innovations on key issues.
The election of the new pontiff, Robert Prevost, brings a new air of life to the Roman Catholic Church, with a leader who combines the traditions of the Church with the modern needs of the world. He is now called upon to balance the different views within the Church, while at the same time defending the weak and continuing the work of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
The accusations against the new Pope
Leo XIV has been the subject of serious criticism for his handling of sexual abuse cases during his leadership of the Augustinian Order and in Peru. Despite his important position in the Church, his critics, such as the organization SNAP (Survivors of Priestly Abuse Network), accuse him of not responding with the required seriousness to allegations of sexual abuse by clergy.
One of the most serious allegations concerns the case of Richard McGrath, former president of Providence Catholic High School, who was repeatedly accused of sexual abuse. Despite intense allegations and pressure from various quarters, McGrath did not step down from his position for a long time, which raises questions about his lack of action and inability to respond to serious allegations.
His attitude, which gave the impression of indifference to the victims, provoked a strong reaction from supporters of abuse survivors.
Pope Leo XIV vs. J.D. Vance: The Debate over the Priorities of Faith
Pope Leo XIV, former American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, responded last January to a statement by US Vice President J.D. Vance regarding the Christian understanding of love. Vance had argued that according to the Christian faith, we should love our family first, then our neighbor, our community, our fellow citizens and finally the rest of the world, emphasizing that the far left has overturned this hierarchy.
Vance's statement drew a backlash from then-Cardinal Prevost, who countered that Jesus does not call us to categorize our love for others. Prevost said, via social media, that Vance was wrong, supporting the Catholic view that God's love should have no priorities or limitations.
This debate has deep roots in Christian teaching and concerns how we should understand our relationships with others. The Apostle Paul's letter to 1 Timothy, which refers to the need to care for relatives, reinforces the view that we should prioritize family. However, Prevost's opposition points out that Christian love is universal and should not be limited or prioritized based on social groups or personal relationships.
Source: iefimerida.gr
