Conclave to Select a New Pope

[Hans-Rickard]

Me neither. Trump and Vance will be on cloud nine.
My guess was an African or Asian cardinal.

I don’t think Trump and Vance knows him… Pope Leo has lived in Peru and Paraguay for many years as a missionary for the Order of Saint Augustine, and during the last years before Pope Francis made him a Cardinal (in 2023) he was Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru…

He has never been a Bishop in USA.

His american home city is Chicago, so i would rather think that Obama may know him, or know who he is..

Trumps statement was also more carefully worded than usual and not the usual personal praise, signalling that he don’t know this man.

 

[doro]

Any information about the Pope's inauguration?

 

[Moonmaiden23]

I'm honestly not sure how I feel about the result. Surprised, but a little disappointed as well. It's not who or what I was hoping for.

As an American I feel the same way. Add "uneasy" to the mix.

But as a Catholic who loves the Church, i will pray for God's blessing and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Polish national broadcaster TVP tells how Pope John Paul II was elected

„Jeśli cię wybiorą - nie odmawiaj”. Jak Karol został papieżem

To wydarzenie zmieniło historię Kościoła. Na pewno Polski, pewnie również całego świata. Wybór Karola Wojtyły na papieża był, w terminologii sportowej, niespodzianką, ale nie...

www.tvp.info

People was betting on Cardinal Sarah. How the world would welcome a Black Pope

Cardinal Sarah is, like most of the African bishops, extremely conservative and doctrinaire.

I am not surprised that the Cardinals decided to play it safe.

 

[doro]

Cardinal Sarah is, like most of the African bishops, extremely conservative and doctrinaire.

I am not surprised that the Cardinals decided to play it safe.

Some conservatives was cheering for him, they believed the Catholic Church become woke

 

[hereditarytitles]

Our newly appointed Secretary of State said this and I fully agree

"Every pope is the voice of global Christianity. I wish him & all of us a hearing, because we Christians must stand up for connection & reconciliation, especially in the current world situation.”

 

[sophie25]

Some conservatives was cheering for him, they believed the Catholic Church become woke

I would like a Pope like Sarah, someone who is brave enough to say it as it is and doesn't bend to please the World. I'm not sure about this new Pope but there were certainly other candidates I was more than relieved to see being bypassed.

 

[Marengo]

The German secretary of state is unfortunately misinformed. The pope is the voice for global catholicism perhaps, but not for global christianity as a total. He has nothing to do with the various protestant, orthodox and other churches.

 

[doro]

The Pope's account on X is not updated yet

https://x.com/pontifex

 

[Mbruno]

As an American I feel the same way. Add "uneasy" to the mix.

But as a Catholic who loves the Church, i will pray for God's blessing and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Robert Prevost's election was hardly surprising. In fact, it was a possibility that many insiders were commenting on, as I mentioned here on this forum in a message posted on April 28 (#8).

 

[Adda]

A recently ordained Robert Prevost (later Pope Leo XIV) meets Pope John Paul II (later Pope St. John Paul the Great) in 1982.

Photo

 

[hereditarytitles]

The German secretary of state is unfortunately misinformed. The pope is the voice for global catholicism perhaps, but not for global christianity as a total. He has nothing to do with the various protestant, coptic, anglican or orthodox churches.

You may be right. But I understand him to mean the entirety of people who are of the Christian faith. In contrast to all other world religions.

 

[GondorHasNoPants]

A recently ordained Robert Prevost (later Pope Leo XIV) meets Pope John Paul II (later Pope St. John Paul the Great) in 1982.

Photo

What a lovely and now-historic photo!

 

[Adda]

The Grand Ducal Couple of Luxembourg has met the new Pope already

Cour grand-ducale Luxembourg on Instagram: "Message de Son Altesse Royale le Grand-Duc adressé à Sa Sainteté le Pape Leo XIV à l’occasion de son élection au siège de Saint Pierre: Très Saint Père, La Grande-Duchesse et moi-même tenons à vous adres

1,092 likes, 9 comments - courgrandducale on May 8, 2025: "Message de Son Altesse Royale le Grand-Duc adressé à Sa Sainteté le Pape Leo XIV à l’occasion de son élection au siège de Saint Pierre: Très Saint Père, La Grande-Duchesse et moi-même tenons à vous adresser nos plus chaleureuses...

www.instagram.com

 

[Countessmeout]

Definitely surprised by the news. Bit concerned with some of his more far conservative leanings then Francis.

The church made great leaps under Francis. And in a time when it was needed, he offered stability. More people were coming back towards the church through a more progressive look. I hope we see us continue down the right path.

Second Pope ever from an English speaking country (as well as first from North America). Being of the Order of Augustine who are devoted to service, and being appointed by Francis, I do hope he proves a great leader.

 

[Linda_26]

A recently ordained Robert Prevost (later Pope Leo XIV) meets Pope John Paul II (later Pope St. John Paul the Great) in 1982.

Photo

Wow, great picture!

 

[Healthy Sceptic]

I find it very hopeful and meaningful that an American Pope was picked. He may be able to promote more of a world view in the Church in America.

Unfortunately, he is being attacked viciously in social media posts by Trump supporters, which in my eyes is a good thing. The demons are not happy because he will (hopefully) be incorruptibly on the side of equality and fairness.

 

[Adda]

I find it very hopeful and meaningful that an American Pope was picked. He may be able to promote more of a world view in the Church in America.

Unfortunately, he is being attacked viciously in social media posts by Trump supporters, which in my eyes is a good thing. The demons are not happy because he will (hopefully) be incorruptibly on the side of equality and fairness.

Amen!

 

[Hans-Rickard]

Definitely surprised by the news. Bit concerned with some of his more far conservative leanings then Francis.

The church made great leaps under Francis. And in a time when it was needed, he offered stability. More people were coming back towards the church through a more progressive look. I hope we see us continue down the right path.

Second Pope ever from an English speaking country (as well as first from North America). Being of the Order of Augustine who are devoted to service, and being appointed by Francis, I do hope he proves a great leader.

He was not my prefered choice… Actually far from… But i also suspected that getting 2 Popes like Pope Francis in a row was not realistic and would have been too good to be true…

I just hope he is not too conservative who will scare away everyone who has now found their way back to the catholic church under Pope Francis… A lot will depends on what he says and does over the coming weeks and months…

 

[Curryong]

I’m surprised at the choice and a little disappointed that the new Pope has some conservative leanings. From what I read earlier I believed that he was a moderate. I’m cheered however by the news that Trump supporters on X are annoyed at his election. Didn’t Pope Leo publicly reprove VP Vance for his views a few months ago?

 

[Somebody]

Biography of the new pope on Vatican News

Biography of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost - Vatican News

Prior to his election as Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. Here is the biography of the 267th ...

www.vaticannews.va

As has been pointed out, he seems a rather centrist candidate. Progressive in social justice and more conservative in moral issues.

 

[Healthy Sceptic]

Biography of the new pope on Vatican News

Biography of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost - Vatican News

Prior to his election as Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. Here is the biography of the 267th ...

www.vaticannews.va

As has been pointed out, he seems a rather centrist candidate. Progressive in social justice and more conservative in moral issues.

Which I think may be a good mix. There are things for both "sides" to find to agree with in his views. I'm rather a centrist myself, I think a lot of people are.

 

[kathia_sophia]

Wow, just yesterday I was talking to my husband that a Pope Leo would be nice! Never thought I would guess it correctly.

Btw, I heard on the news that the new Pope's Mother was Spanish.

 

[Adda]

Wow, just yesterday I was talking to my husband that a Pope Leo would be nice! Never thought I would guess it correctly.

Btw, I heard on the news that the new Pope's Mother was Spanish.

And that is absolutely incorrect, his mother's grandparents, that is, his great-grandparents were Spanish. His mother was born and raised in Louisiana. His father has french and Italian ancestry and served in the U.S Navy during WWII.

Long article about him and his family (in English)

Cardinal Robert Prevost, born in Chicago, is the first pope from the United States

Prevost, 69, took the name Leo XIV. He grew up in Dolton and attended St. Mary of the Assumption. A childhood friend said maybe now that he's pope, their old church will be reopened.

chicago.suntimes.com

From VF Spain, so it's in Spanish.

Mildred Martinez, la madre de León XIV nieta de españoles: bibliotecaria y tan buena cocinera que la vocación de su hijo empezó con los sacerdotes que comían en su casa

El nuevo papa, de 69 años, tuvo claro desde niño que lo suyo serían los hábitos. Y sus padres tuvieron un gran peso en ese camino: una familia de misa diaria, de padre catequista y una madre cuya labor mantenía en pie la parroquia católica en la que se crió el futuro León XIV.

www.revistavanityfair.es

 

[meeralakshmi]

HABEMUS PAPAM !!!

On the 4:th ballot, the cardinals have elected the next Roman Pontiff

He seems like a great man, looking forward to his tenure.

 

[Countessmeout]

Wow, just yesterday I was talking to my husband that a Pope Leo would be nice! Never thought I would guess it correctly.

Btw, I heard on the news that the new Pope's Mother was Spanish.

American born but yes of Spanish descent. His mother was a librarian and had two sisters who were nuns.

Donald Trump applauds Pope Leo XIV’s election, shrugs off Robert Prevost's criticism of JD Vance, declares: ‘Can’t wait to shake his hand’

Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago becomes Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American to lead the Catholic Church. The selection marks a significant moment. Political figures like Donald Trump and Joe Biden react. Trump expresses excitement to meet Pope Leo XIV. Despite past criticisms, leaders...

economictimes.indiatimes.com

Interesting that Trump is so proud to see him pope, considering the new Pope's criticism of Trump and Vance. Short memory or hoping others do?

 

[Somebody]

Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the Order of St Augustine; Francis was the first Jesuit pope.

The new pope obtained his PhD in 1987 with a thesis on 'The Role of the Local Prior in the Order of Saint Augustine'. It seems most recent popes had a PhD in either Canon Law or Theology, with the exception of pope Francis who started his doctoral studies but did not complete it.

 

[Lady Chiara]

Definitely surprised. The moment I saw American I got worried, then relaxed a bit when I realised he is the "less American of the Americans". As an Italian, progressive cathol-ish, my opinion is it could have been better (Zuppi or Tagle), it could have been worst (the other Americans, Sarah, the Hungarian friend of Orban). Some of his positions are good in my book, some others a lot less but I guess we will have to wait and see how he works.
Also interesting that he is on the younger side, he will be 70 this year. We could have a 20 years papacy ahead of us.

 

[Mbruno]

I’m glad he’s brought back the papal regalia.

Let’s see if he will also bring back the dress code at official papal audiences.

Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the Order of St Augustine; Francis was the first Jesuit pope.

The new pope obtained his PhD in 1987 with a thesis on 'The Role of the Local Prior in the Order of Saint Augustine'. It seems most recent popes had a PhD in either Canon Law or Theology, with the exception of pope Francis who started his doctoral studies but did not complete it.

And interestingly he holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.

 

[Izzie]

I find it very hopeful and meaningful that an American Pope was picked. He may be able to promote more of a world view in the Church in America.

Unfortunately, he is being attacked viciously in social media posts by Trump supporters, which in my eyes is a good thing. The demons are not happy because he will (hopefully) be incorruptibly on the side of equality and fairness.

If they're losing their MAGA minds...I find that a positive for Pope Leo 14th. Lol. I've seen some ridiculous posts from that side.

I’m surprised at the choice and a little disappointed that the new Pope has some conservative leanings. From what I read earlier I believed that he was a moderate. I’m cheered however by the news that Trump supporters on X are annoyed at his election. Didn’t Pope Leo publicly reprove VP Vance for his views a few months ago?

I believe he did. I've seen some old posts and reposts by the new Pope floating around now on twitter.

 

[Healthy Sceptic]

If they're losing their MAGA minds...I find that a positive for Pope Leo 14th. Lol. I've seen some ridiculous posts from that side.

Laura Loomer is an evil banshee. I find it very reassuring that the new Pope is making her very uncomfortable already. Darkness hates the light.