Zuko Komisa

@VaticanNews
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A new chapter has begun for the Catholic Church as the Conclave of Cardinals has elected Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome.
The announcement, delivered by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, was met with jubilant cheers from the throngs of faithful gathered below, who even before the official pronouncement were heard chanting “Viva il Papa!” – Long live the Pope.
The newly elected pontiff, who will take the name Leo XIV, began his papacy with the simple yet profound words, “Peace be with all of you!” signaling a message of unity and hope to the global Catholic community.
Cardinal Prevost, 69, becomes the first American to hold the esteemed position. However, his deep connection to Latin America, forged through years of missionary work in Peru, makes him a figure embraced by the faithful across the continent.
Robert Francis Prevost became the first pope from the United States of America on Thursday 8 May, picking the papal name Leo XIV after cardinals from around the world elected him leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.@Thand_okuhle unpacks what has unfolded at St Peter's… pic.twitter.com/R5n1VpJ3Lk
— Kaya ON 959 (@KayaON959) May 8, 2025
Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian heritage, the young Robert Francis served as an altar boy, laying the foundation for his future service to the Church. He was ordained a priest in 1982 and, three years later, embarked on his impactful mission to Peru.
His decade spent as a local parish pastor and as a teacher at a seminary in Trujillo, in north-western Peru, further solidified his reputation as a compassionate and dedicated servant of God.
The election of Cardinal Prevost as Pope Leo XIV marks a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church, bridging continents and bringing the experience of the Americas to the forefront of the global faith. The world now looks to Pope Leo XIV to guide the Church into the future.
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