New Pope elected: Leo XIV brings hope for peace and dialogue!

New Pope elected: Leo XIV brings hope for peace and dialogue!

On May 8, 2025, Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new Pope and is now named Pope Leo XIV Prevost, 69 years old and originally from the USA, the successor of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday 2025 at the age of 88. The choice was officially announced by Cardinal Protodiacon Dominique Mamberti on the Loggia of St. Peter's Cathedral with the words "Habemus Papam".

The choice of Prevost, the former Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, marks a significant moment in the Roman Catholic Church because he is the first American in this position. Prevost also has Peruvian citizenship and brings extensive experience as the general priority of the Order of Augustin and as a prefect of the dicasterry for the bishops. It was chosen by 133 cardinals that were gathered in the Vatican on May 7th.

first words and symbolism of choice

In his first speech, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the commitment to peace, dialogue and openness. The name Leo signals a possible focus on peace policy concerns. Prevost is considered a compromise candidate and bridge builder and has worked for refugees from Venezuela as a cardinal in Peru as a cardinal in Peru.

Bremen Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte congratulated the Catholics in Bremen and Bremerhaven on election and expressed hope for new impulses of the new Pope in global challenges. The election is also interpreted as a criticism of the refugee policy of the previous US government, especially with regard to the attitude of Donald Trump.

Prevost was heavily involved in social issues during his terms and is estimated as a “connoisseur of the World Church”. It is expected that he will continue the views of his predecessor, which migration described as a human right, in migration policy issues. His choice took place in the context of a church that comprises 1.4 billion believers worldwide.

The financing and sexual education issues in which he has not yet positioned himself clearly could continue to trigger controversy. Critics complain that Prevost did not react consistently enough when dealing with misuse cases. Nevertheless, many believers look with hope of the term of the new Pope.

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OrtBremen, Deutschland
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