New Pope Leo XIV elected - Cardinal flees from the conclave!

New Pope Leo XIV elected - Cardinal flees from the conclave!

Vatikanstadt, Staat Vatikan - On May 8, 2025, Leo XIV was elected as the new Pope after Pope Francis died on Easter Monday 2025. Leo XIV comes from North America and sets a sign of peace in a world characterized by challenges. His choice came as a surprise, since Robert F. Prevost was not among the most common favorites that were discussed in advance among the cardinals from Europe. This revealed itself during the days of the compliance when the cardinals were gathered in the Sistine chapel and were excluded from contact with the outside world to choose the new Pope.

Before the election, Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero expressed that he would not strive for the papal office. He made it clear that the decision to become a Pope was associated with enormous stress for him. In a sarcastic remark, he described the desire to become a Pope as "sick in the head" or "sick in the heart". He added that in the event of a choice he would flee from the conclave. This attitude reflects a certain uncertainty that prevailed under the cardinals during the entire election process.

The new Pope and its roots

Leo XIV has European roots, but also has a Peruvian passport. This is remarkable because it underlines its international charisma. The election of Robert F. Prevost was particularly accepted by members of the Augustinian Order in Bavaria, which indicates support from different parts of the world. The new Pope will be the head of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide and will also act as the secular head of the Vatican, the smallest state in the world.

The conclave, which is considered to be profound and mysterious, was the most geographically diverse in the 2000-year history of the church. Participants from 70 countries were represented and there were different currents among the cardinals. Some wanted a successor to continue the efforts of Francis for transparency, while others were aiming for a return to more traditional roots. The Japanese Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi reported that many Asian cardinals had planned to coordinate, in contrast to the 53 European cardinals, which are often true after national or personal preferences.

The pope election is not simply a church affair, but also has significant global political implications. Against the background of the global challenges with which the Catholic Church is confronted, the choice of Leo XIV is a step that will trigger both domestic and international reactions. The uncertainty that prevailed around the election process illustrates the complexity of the modern church management structure.