Within only a couple of days the cardinals chose the new pope: Robert Francis Prevost.
We learned that he was US American and that he chose the name Leo XIV.

Since Pope Francis has been sick and especially since he passed away, we heard about many possible candidates to become the new head of the Catholic Church. Cardinal Prevost was not one of the top candidates which confirms the saying that the one who goes into the conclave as pope comes out as cardinal…

We are still learning more about Pope Leo XIV, but here are some key facts we have learned so far:

1. The first US American pope.
   Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, USA (1955).
   Chicago is known as the “Windy City” – so, let’s hope that he will keep the windows open to let the Spirit of Vatican II continue to come into the Church.
   The first Bishop of Peru to become pope.
   Pope Leo XIV was Bishop of Chiclayo (2015-2023).
   He was the shepherd of more than 1mio Catholics in a Latin American diocese and is therefore also part of the bishops in the continent where most Catholics in the world live and practice their religion.
   A member of the Augustinian order.
   The Order of St Augustine was established 781 years ago. The Order is known for their veneration of Mary and their commitment to education, pastoral work and mission. Their headquarters are in Italy. Since the end of the 13th century the sacristan of the Papal Palace was always to be an Augustinian friar. It might also be noted that Martin Luther started his religious life as an Augustinian friar.
   So, there is a strong connection to Italy and to Europe. Let’s hope that Pope Leo XIV will overcome the challenges of our time for the Church in Europe.
   Following the example of Pope Leo XIII
   Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903) is known for his encyclical Rerum Novarum which can be seen as the foundational document for the Catholic Social Teaching.
   Let’s hope that Leo XIV will follow his example of being open to the modern world and at the same time not to forget the people who are left behind.

We wish all the best to Pope Leo XIV. May he be a good leader, shepherd and example for all Catholics and the wider world.

BM