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Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pope Leo's in-tray: pontiff has many urgent issues to address
The Roman Catholic church has a new leader, the Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV. Once the prayers are over and the crowds have dispersed from St Peter's Square, what issues must the new pope grapple with? A key task will be to strengthen unity within the church amid growing polarisation in the world and different views and expectations in the church. Some observers believe there is a real risk of schism after 20 years in which there have been popes on either end of the spectrum: the traditional/conservative Benedict XVI and the liberal/progressive Francis. Prevost is seen as a moderate. But will he be a unifying figure, reaching out to both traditionalists and progressives, and steering the church through the choppy waters of the 21st century? Or will he be identified with one wing of the church, thereby alienating another wing? A key area of unity and healing will be the American Catholic church, where Pope Francis was a divisive figure. Some US bishops are avid supporters of Donald Trump, while others are dismayed by the president's policies and statements. An early visit to the US may be high on the new pope's agenda. The pope has an important role to play on the international stage, particularly to ensure that religion does not become a faultline. He will face conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan plus the politically divisive issues of migration, the climate crisis, religious freedom and human rights. Christine Allen, the chief executive of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (Cafod), has said the incoming pope will be 'one of only a few people in the world who can cross political divides and use his moral influence to help all of us look beyond our narrow self-interests and work together to overcome our collective challenges'. In common with other world leaders, Prevost will have to navigate Trump's second term in the White House. Pope Francis openly rebuked the first and second Trump administrations on issues such as migration. The legacy of sexual abuse cast a long shadow over Francis's papacy. He was slow to grasp the scale and systemic nature of the problem, and at first did not understand the pain and anger of survivors. That pain has not gone away, and the new pope's approach will inevitably come under intense scrutiny. Protecting children and vulnerable adults, especially in places where the implementation of safeguarding procedures is challenging, is a key issue in the papal in-tray. Pope Leo XIV will need to take decisions on governance within the church, including the pace of change and levels of inclusion regarding laity and women. He will need to make key appointments within days to get the new papacy up and running. There has been a trend towards appointing qualified, professional laypeople to Vatican jobs rather than clerics. Under Francis, some key roles went to women for the first time, but some say the process of change could be quicker and more far-reaching. Sister Nathalie Becquart, who served as undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops for four years, said there was 'no way to go back' but 'a change of mindset and a change of culture' was still in progress. 'The next step is to encourage the involvement of women at all levels of the church,' she told BBC Radio 4's Sunday programme. There are two aspects to this for the new pope's attention: general oversight and transparency, on which there was significant progress under Pope Francis but still more to do; and the unsustainable levels of deficit in the Vatican finances, which deteriorated during Francis's papacy. In 2022, the Vatican budget accounts were about $94m (£70m) in the red, and the Vatican pension fund reportedly had a shortfall of more than $700m. One senior cardinal, Angelo Becciu, withdrew from the conclave because of convictions in 2022 of financial crimes (he is appealing). Francis had forced Becciu to quit his post after allegations of financial mismanagement came to light, but Becciu only withdrew from the conclave after being presented with letters written by Francis before he died saying Becciu should not take part in the process to elect the next pope. Francis shifted the church's dial on issues relating to sexuality and identity, condemning discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, meeting trans men and women and authorising the blessings of same-sex couples. LGBTQ+ Catholics welcomed his compassion and affirmation while acknowledging he did not change church teaching. Francis's standpoint prompted a backlash among traditionalists. He will also need to consider the issue of celibacy for priests. Francis ultimately ducked the issue of whether to allow married priests in parts of the world, such as the Amazon, where there is a dire shortage. Will the new pope push it through?
Belfast Telegraph
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Who is Leo XIV, the new Pope chosen by cardinals to lead the Catholic Church?
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.
Irish Examiner
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Who is Leo XIV, the new Pope chosen by cardinals to lead the Catholic Church?
Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost will forever now be known as Pope Leo XIV. 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 appeared in front of jubilant crowds on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica (Luca Bruno/AP) 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. Pope Francis was a popular pontiff whose death sparked tributes across the globe (James Manning/PA) 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. Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican (Andrew Medichini/AP) '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.
Rhyl Journal
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
World leaders congratulate new Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV emerged onto the balcony of St Peter's Basilica in front of a packed St Peter's Square, cheered on by jubilant crowds as he made his first public appearance as pontiff. The election of the new Pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, from Chicago, was quickly hailed an honour and exciting time by US President Donald Trump. Posting on his Truth Social platform about the 69-year-old pontiff, Mr Trump said: 'What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!' Mr Trump drew criticism over the weekend after sharing an artificial intelligence-generated image of himself dressed as the pope on social media. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the election as a 'deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally' while the Church of England's current most senior bishop said he looks forward to 'working with' the new Pope. Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, who is currently de facto head while the Church of England seeks a new archbishop of Canterbury following Justin Welby's resignation, said: 'Pope Leo XIV's many years of pastoral experience, his commitment to justice, and his deep spirituality are an example of life lived in service to Jesus Christ.' He added: 'As Anglicans we give thanks for his call to Christians to be bridge-builders across the divisions of our world, and the divisions that continue to exist between churches.' Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the Pope and pleaded 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.' The secret conclave meeting had taken only around 24 hours to choose their new leader, giving the Church a pope less than three weeks after the death of his predecessor Francis. Crowds had been joyously waving flags and chanting 'Habemus Papam', the Latin for 'we have a Pope', since white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel shortly after 5pm UK time on Thursday. The new pontiff is the 267th Pope, becoming the religious leader of some 1.4 billion Catholics across the globe and someone believed to be called as the successor to St Peter, who was the first. In his first words as Pope, the new pontiff told the adoring crowd: 'Peace be with you'. International development charity Cafod said Pope Leo 'will be a voice of wisdom in a fractured and divided world', and that his 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'. The 133 cardinals had voted on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, with black smoke emitted from the chapel chimney twice, showing no-one had been elected. But in the bright sunshine of Thursday afternoon, white smoke began to billow out, with onlookers bearing witness to history as the Church confirmed it had its new leader. Bells tolled to confirm the news, perhaps in a marker of the confusion at previous conclaves where the colour of the smoke was not completely clear. Three UK cardinals took part in conclave, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and Rome-based Cardinal Arthur Roche, as did Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell who has mainly ministered in the US and been based in Rome for some years. Only those cardinals aged under 80 were eligible to cast a ballot, and this conclave was thought to be one of the most diverse of any before, representing some 70 countries. Pope Francis had appointed some 108 of the 133 cardinals who took part in the conclave to choose his successor. Pope Leo will have the challenge of following in the footsteps of the late Francis, whose popularity saw him dubbed 'the people's pope'.
North Wales Chronicle
08-05-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
World leaders congratulate new Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV emerged onto the balcony of St Peter's Basilica in front of a packed St Peter's Square, cheered on by jubilant crowds as he made his first public appearance as pontiff. The election of the new Pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, from Chicago, was quickly hailed an honour and exciting time by US President Donald Trump. Posting on his Truth Social platform about the 69-year-old pontiff, Mr Trump said: 'What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!' Mr Trump drew criticism over the weekend after sharing an artificial intelligence-generated image of himself dressed as the pope on social media. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the election as a 'deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally' while the Church of England's current most senior bishop said he looks forward to 'working with' the new Pope. Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, who is currently de facto head while the Church of England seeks a new archbishop of Canterbury following Justin Welby's resignation, said: 'Pope Leo XIV's many years of pastoral experience, his commitment to justice, and his deep spirituality are an example of life lived in service to Jesus Christ.' He added: 'As Anglicans we give thanks for his call to Christians to be bridge-builders across the divisions of our world, and the divisions that continue to exist between churches.' Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the Pope and pleaded 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.' The secret conclave meeting had taken only around 24 hours to choose their new leader, giving the Church a pope less than three weeks after the death of his predecessor Francis. Crowds had been joyously waving flags and chanting 'Habemus Papam', the Latin for 'we have a Pope', since white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel shortly after 5pm UK time on Thursday. The new pontiff is the 267th Pope, becoming the religious leader of some 1.4 billion Catholics across the globe and someone believed to be called as the successor to St Peter, who was the first. In his first words as Pope, the new pontiff told the adoring crowd: 'Peace be with you'. International development charity Cafod said Pope Leo 'will be a voice of wisdom in a fractured and divided world', and that his 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'. The 133 cardinals had voted on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, with black smoke emitted from the chapel chimney twice, showing no-one had been elected. But in the bright sunshine of Thursday afternoon, white smoke began to billow out, with onlookers bearing witness to history as the Church confirmed it had its new leader. Bells tolled to confirm the news, perhaps in a marker of the confusion at previous conclaves where the colour of the smoke was not completely clear. Three UK cardinals took part in conclave, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and Rome-based Cardinal Arthur Roche, as did Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell who has mainly ministered in the US and been based in Rome for some years. Only those cardinals aged under 80 were eligible to cast a ballot, and this conclave was thought to be one of the most diverse of any before, representing some 70 countries. Pope Francis had appointed some 108 of the 133 cardinals who took part in the conclave to choose his successor. Pope Leo will have the challenge of following in the footsteps of the late Francis, whose popularity saw him dubbed 'the people's pope'.
