Who is Leo XIV, the new Pope chosen by cardinals to lead the Catholic Church?

Belfast Telegraph

08-05-2025

At 69 years old, he is seven years younger than Pope Francis was when he was elected.
Some had speculated that cardinals might not choose such a young – by the standards of pope – new leader whose reign was likely to be lengthy.
But his 132 peers in the secret conclave meeting took just 24 hours to choose Cardinal Prevost, elevating him to the position as head of the world's 1.4 billion-member Church.
Pope Leo has made history as the Church's first American pontiff – something described by US President Donald Trump on social media as 'a Great Honor for our Country'.
An Augustinian friar, the new Pope is also a Peruvian citizen and lived for years in Peru, first as a missionary and then as an archbishop.
International development charity Cafod said Pope Leo's years as a missionary in Peru mean he can bring into his papacy 'the vital perspective of the global south, elevating voices from the margins to centre stage'.
It added that he will be 'a voice of wisdom in a fractured and divided world'.
Pope Francis had been outspoken against war and division, and with his first words Pope Leo indicated he will follow suit.
He told the huge crowds in St Peter's Square 'Peace be with you,' as he preached a message of peace, dialogue and missionary evangelisation.
Contrary to Pope Francis however, he did wear the traditional red cape of the papacy – something declined by his predecessor, who constantly shunned luxuries and extravagances associated with his role.
As world leaders rushed to issue messages of warm congratulations, the potentially political nature of the position Pope Leo has assumed quickly became clear.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had attended Pope Francis's funeral and met President Trump in St Peter's Basilica beforehand for peace talks, pleaded with Pope Leo for continued support from the Vatican.
In a post on X, Mr Zelensky wrote: 'Ukraine deeply values the Holy See's consistent position in upholding international law, condemning the Russian Federation's military aggression against Ukraine, and protecting the rights of innocent civilians.
'At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine's efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace.
'I wish His Holiness Leo XIV wisdom, inspiration, and strength – both spiritual and physical – in carrying out his noble mission.'
The new Pope had been prefect of the Vatican's powerful Dicastery for Bishops, in charge of vetting nominations for bishops around the world.
He was sent by Pope Francis in 2014 to run the diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, before bringing him to Rome in 2023.
The new Pope has also been president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, a part of the world which retains a strong Catholic following.