By Len Armea
TOKYO/MANILA – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old native of Chicago, was elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, making history as the first American to assume the papacy. He has taken the name Pope Leo XIV.
Thousands of Catholic faithful from around the world gathered in St. Peter’s Square, both jubilant and tearful, as white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the election of a new pope.
The smoke indicated that Prevost had secured at least 89 of the 133 votes cast by the College of Cardinals during the conclave, held just days after the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
“Peace be with you,” were the first words spoken by Pope Leo XIV as he greeted the faithful from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. In his first public address, he emphasized a message of peace and unity, calling on the Church to move forward together in hope and compassion.
“Evil will not prevail; we are in the hands of God. So without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we go forward,” Pope Leo XIV said in his inaugural address.
Pope Leo XIV’s election has been met with enthusiasm in both the Philippines and Japan, reflecting his deep ties to the region.
A member of the Augustinian religious order, he visited the Philippines in 2004 to bless the Augustinian friary in Cebu. He also traveled to Japan 17 and 20 years ago to visit churches in Nagasaki, home to one of the country’s oldest Christian communities.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. extended his warmest congratulations to the new head of the Catholic Church, expressing hope that Pope Leo XIV will continue the Church’s mission of serving the people, especially the poor and the disadvantaged.
“On behalf of the Philippines, I congratulate Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on his election as the successor of Pope Francis and leader of the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church,” Marcos Jr. said.
“I pray that he will continue to bring the Church closer to the poor and disadvantaged,” Marcos Jr. said. “The Filipino people are also praying for the new pope’s strength and good health as he leads the faithful with grace, wisdom, and compassion.”
“May his life and ministry inspire us to persevere in our daily walk with our Lord Jesus Christ,” he added.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Ishiba sent a message to Edgar Peña Parra, acting Vatican secretary of state, extending his congratulations on the election of the new pope. Ishiba expressed hope that the Vatican and Japan will continue to strengthen their close relationship and work together to promote global peace and prosperity.
Cardinal Isao Kikuchi, archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Tokyo and a participant in the conclave, called on the faithful to offer prayers and support for the new pontiff as he leads the Church.
“Let us pray for the pope every day, that the Holy Spirit will give the successor of Peter the abundant blessings, protection, and guidance,” Kikuchi said. “Let us walk together, listening to the voice of the pope.”
“I also ask that you pray for the College of Cardinals, who will support the pope and walk with him,” he added.
Born on Sept. 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was ordained a priest in 1982. He joined the Augustinian Order and served for many years as a missionary in Peru, eventually becoming bishop of Chiclayo. In 2023, he was appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide.
The new pope is known for his commitment to social justice and has previously expressed concern about immigration policies, emphasizing the Church’s role in advocating for the marginalized.
Facebook photo: CBCP News (Screenshot via Vatican News)
