Emerging Thursday evening onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the glow of white smoke and ringing bells, the 69-year-old Robert Prevost – now Leo XIV – was introduced as the 267th pope, breaking a long-held taboo against an American leading the Vatican.
Wearing the traditional red mozzetta that Pope Francis had set aside in 2013, Leo signaled a nod to formal customs. Yet by choosing the name "Leo" – invoking the 13th-century friar who was a companion of St. Francis of Assisi – and citing themes close to Francis’ heart, the new pope quickly framed his mission as one of continuity and compassion.
“Together, we must find how to be a missionary church – a church that builds bridges, embraces dialogue, and opens its arms like this piazza, to receive all who seek charity, presence, and love,” Leo said in smooth, near-perfect Italian, adding brief remarks in Spanish – but notably, not in English.
Leo’s elevation came as a surprise. His American citizenship once posed a diplomatic hurdle, given the U.S.' global dominance. But Prevost also holds Peruvian citizenship and spent two decades in Peru – first as a humble missionary, later as a bishop and eventually as the Vatican’s head of the Dicastery for Bishops.
It was Francis who positioned him for succession.
In 2023, Prevost was appointed to one of the Vatican’s most powerful roles, overseeing bishop appointments worldwide.
Months later, he was made cardinal, and by the time of the conclave, he was viewed by many insiders as the clear front-runner.
AzVision.az
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