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Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Unifying, balanced, simple: these are the words used to describe the new Pope by members of the clergy and people who have known Robert Prevost, the first American pope in history, for years...
Leo XIV was elected last Thursday, and early "signs" indicate he intends to continue the work of Pope Francis. His election comes at a time when the Catholic Church is facing several "challenges" and the planet is on fire.
But what should we know about the new Pope?
1. He is the "least American" of the American cardinals
Prevost was born in Chicago. Yet within the Vatican, where he ultimately lived and worked, he is considered the “least American” of the American cardinals. He previously served in the parish of Trujillo, Peru, and later became bishop of Chiclayo. He speaks fluent Spanish and Italian — something he demonstrated during his first speech from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica shortly after his election.
2. He was respected by Pope Francis
Pope Francis "respected and thought very highly" of Prevost, says CNN Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb. "Pope Francis certainly saw something in him—he saw him as a capable leader," says Lamb, who met Pope Leo when he was a cardinal. The journalist describes him as a measured and discreet person.
3. He is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine
Pope Leo is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine, which has a worldwide presence. After all, he was the battalion leader for more than a decade. In fact, from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, he said he is "a son of Saint Augustine," emphasizing at the same time: "For you, I am a bishop; with you, ultimately, I am a Christian."
4. Has extensive leadership experience
Pope Francis chose Prevost to head the office that evaluates bishop appointments - a position of particular prestige within the Vatican. He was also president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. "From a very young age he held leadership positions," Elise Allen, a Vatican analyst, told CNN.
"He is considered a calm and balanced person, impartial and clear about what he believes should be done... However, he is not very persistent in achieving what he wants."
5. First and foremost a missionary
“I still consider myself a missionary. My calling, like that of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to preach the Gospel wherever I am,” the new pope previously said in an interview with Vatican News. In another interview, he said that the years he spent in Peru were the ones that most shaped him. “He is someone who, even though he is from the West, can carefully care for the needs of a global church,” Allen said, adding, “we are talking about someone who spent half of his church career as a missionary in Peru.”
6. He also has Peruvian citizenship.
Pope Leo holds dual citizenship, both American and Peruvian. Prevost became a Peruvian citizen in August 2015. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte called his election "a historic moment for Peru and the world."
7. His papal name shows that he cares about the poor.
The last pope to choose the name Leo was Leo XIII, who went down in history as the pope of the poor. In fact, he had championed workers. Leo XIII, who sat on the papal throne from 1878 to 1903, emphasized workers' rights and Catholic social doctrine. Thus, choosing this name constitutes a strong "statement" on Prevost's part.
8. He is considered a unifier of the center.
Leo appears to be following Francis' "line" and embracing the view that the church should be more open and inclusive. However, everyone who knows him says he will lead the Roman Catholic Church in his own way. Leo is expected to insist more on progressive issues, such as immigration and poverty, but may align himself with the moderates on moral issues of Catholic doctrine. Moreover, to receive 2/3 of the votes in the Conclave, he would need broad support among the cardinals, even the most conservative ones.
9. He studied mathematics at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.
Prevost studied mathematics at Villanova University in Pennsylvania and then received a degree in theology from the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago. He then studied canon law in Rome and later taught the same subject at the theological school of Trujillo in Peru.
10. He really likes tennis!
"I consider myself a very good amateur tennis player," Pope Leo once said in an interview, shortly after becoming a cardinal. "Since I left Peru I haven't had much opportunity to practice, so I hope to get back on the court soon." During the same interview, he also revealed that in his free time he reads, walks and travels to "new and strange places." / Adapted from Pamphlet by CNN /
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