By bernard.turay@awokonewspapersl.com
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the new Pope on Thursday, 8th May 2025. He becomes the first American to hold the papacy and has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on 21st April 2025 at the age of 88. The selection of the new pope followed a conclave involving 133 cardinals from over 70 countries, marking a significant moment in the Church’s global leadership.
Shortly after white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney—signaling the successful conclusion of the conclave—Pope Leo XIV appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to address the faithful gathered in the Vatican.
“Peace be with all of you,” he declared to the cheering crowd. “May this message of peace enter your hearts, reach your families, and all people, wherever they are.”
Speaking in Italian, Spanish, and Latin, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to his fellow cardinals for entrusting him with the papacy. He paid tribute to the late Pope Francis and led the crowd in prayer. He also gave special thanks to the people of Peru, where he spent many years as a missionary and later as Bishop of Chiclayo.
“In Peru, a loyal people has shared its faith and given a lot,” he said, acknowledging the country where he also holds citizenship.
The election of an American pope surprised many Church observers, who had speculated on other likely candidates. The decision has generated widespread excitement, particularly in the United States.
Former President Donald Trump congratulated the new pope on social media, writing, “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a great honor for our country.” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, referencing the pontiff’s hometown, posted, “Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!”
Cardinal Prevost has spent much of his career overseas. After studying in Rome, he began missionary work in Peru in 1985 and rose to become bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo, a city of over 500,000 people in the country’s north.
Thousands of pilgrims and visitors filled the streets of Rome, particularly along the Via della Conciliazione, to witness the announcement of the new pope—an event marked by the ringing of the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica and a jubilant atmosphere throughout the Vatican. BT/9/5/2025
