Latest news with #CollegeofCardinals
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pope Leo XIV Formalizes Role as Bishop of Rome
Pope Leo XIV has completed the final ceremonial steps to formalizing his role as the bishop of Rome. The pontiff formally took possession of the St. John Lateran Basilica, Rome's cathedral and the seat of the diocese, on Sunday where he later conducted an evening Mass. On his way to the Basilica, Pope Leo XIV met up with the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, where he discussed his pride in formalizing his title. 'We are happy that Rome is now your city,' Gualtieri told the pontiff, according to Vatican News. 'Today I can say in a special way that I am a Roman, with and for you,' the pope replied. The bishop of Rome is one of the many titles that Pope Leo XIV was bestowed when he was elected by the College of Cardinals earlier this month. However, due to the volume of responsibility that comes with leading the Catholic Church, the day-to-day administrative tasks of running the diocese of Rome are typically bestowed to a vicar, or assistant bishop. The pontiff was born Robert Prevost in Chicago in 1955. He has held dual U.S. and Peruvian citizenship for the past decade, having served as a missionary and bishop across the two countries. He notably is the first U.S.-born leader of the Catholic Church. Following his election on May 8, the pontiff's personal politics were put under national spotlight. His digital footprint revealed at the time that he was in disagreement with the Trump administration on notable policies like immigration. Pope Leo XIV is also said to have been 'respected' by the late Pope Francis who 'thought of him very highly,' according to CNN Vatican correspondent Christoper Lamp. 'Clearly Pope Francis saw in him something,' Lamb said in a report published earlier this month. Francis had appointed Leo as a cardinal in 2023 and assigned him the title Diaconate of Saint Monica. 'He saw him as a capable leader.'
Gulf Today
7 days ago
- Politics
- Gulf Today
President and RAK Ruler discuss citizens' welfare
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Thursday received His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Saud was accompanied by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah. During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Saud exchanged friendly, fraternal conversations and discussed a number of issues related to the affairs of the UAE and Emiratis and the ongoing efforts to enhance the UAE's comprehensive development vision and achieve the aspirations of its people. Sheikh Saud said via his Instagram account, 'I was pleased to meet my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, accompanied by Mohammed Bin Saud and in the presence of Their Highnesses, the Sheikhs, at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi. 'We shared a warm and brotherly conversation and discussed various affairs of the nation and its people. 'We also committed to continuing the work to enhance our country's vision for comprehensive and sustainable development and to fulfill the aspirations of our people. We pray to God to grant our nation enduring progress and prosperity.' Recently, on behalf of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr attended the inauguration ceremony of Pope Leo XIV as head of the Catholic Church, succeeding the late Pope Francis. The ceremony took place in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, in the Italian capital Rome, in the presence of several heads of state, leaders and world dignitaries. Sheikh Saud conveyed to Pope Leo XIV the congratulations of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the confidence entrusted to him by the College of Cardinals in the Vatican, wishing His Holiness success in advancing the values of peace and coexistence, and in supporting intercultural and humanitarian dialogue, as well as closer ties among peoples and religions. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr affirmed that the UAE is committed to promoting its humanitarian mission and working with Pope Leo XIV to consolidate the values of peace, coexistence and tolerance globally, while supporting joint efforts aimed at finding solutions to humanitarian and social challenges that benefit all of humanity. He also highlighted the importance of upholding the principles of tolerance, peace and dialogue among religions around the world, through the Document on Human Fraternity signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by the His Eminence Professor Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the late Pope Francis. The document marked a historic milestone and a shining example of interfaith rapprochement and human fraternity. A couple of days ago, Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr received two high-level delegations from Guangdong Province, China, the first led by Bai Tao, Mayor of Foshan City, and the second led by Chen Jie, the Vice Mayor of Guangzhou. During the meeting with Foshan government officials, Sheikh Saud witnessed the signing of a hydrogen cooperation agreement between Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) and Foshan Institute of Environment and Energy Technology (FIEET), which follows on from the agreement Ras Al Khaimah signed with Guangdong Province during Sheikh Saud's visit to China last November. The Strategic Cooperation Agreement, which was signed by Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, RAKTA Director-General, and Professor Wang Ziyuan, President of FIEET, aims to deepen technological, industrial and application-chain innovation cooperation in the hydrogen energy sector for the mutual benefit of both parties, leveraging their respective resources and strengths while aligning with their strategic development objectives. Sheikh Saud said, 'This agreement between Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and Foshan Institute of Environment and Energy Technology is a significant step forward in our efforts to explore sustainable and innovative energy solutions. In Ras Al Khaimah, we are committed to expanding partnerships in the fields of technology, industry and sustainable development with our partners in Guangdong Province, based on our vision to harness advanced technology and embrace opportunities for greater international cooperation, as this contributes to achieving the comprehensive and sustainable development that we seek for our beloved emirate.' WAM
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kalamazoo cathedral holds mass for ‘Father Bob,' also known as Pope Leo XIV
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — The Catholic faithful in Kalamazoo gathered at St. Augustine Cathedral Monday evening for a Mass of Thanksgiving as the excitement of a pope with real ties to West Michigan continues. Now 11 days after as the 266th successor of St. Peter, the joy is still evident. 'We were all so tickled when he came through the curtain,' parishioner Sharon Gregorski told News 8. 'All we could do is scream, 'It's Father Bob!'' New pope attended Catholic high school in West Michigan Former friends of Prevost communed with the congregation at St. Augustine Cathedral Monday and described the emotion of celebrating a new but familiar pope with their fellow faithful. 'The feelings were amazing. The joy was so tangible,' Gregorski added. 'Not only in the liturgy and music but even in people's responses and faces. They were so happy we have a pope we know.' Sharon and Deacon Roger Gregorski hail from Niles, where they interacted with the now-pope during his summer retreats in the area. They eventually accompanied 'Father Bob' on a now even more unforgettable journey. 'He agreed to be a spiritual leader on a pilgrimage to Rome,' Roger Gregorski explained. 'So, we were with him in several locations in Italy. One highlight was we celebrated mass with him in St. Peter's. So those are fond, fond memories. … None of us could have foreseen, but he certainly was a special person. He is the real deal, he's approachable, he's not pretentious, he's an amazing homilist. He's the whole package. So, we're savoring the moment.' 'Incredible': West Michigan seminarians in Rome as Pope Leo XIV elected Monday's mass was led by Bishop Edward Lohse, another former colleague of the new pontiff. The service sent prayers for Pope Leo XIV while celebrating the caliber of character he wields and weaves into his leadership. 'Just the speed with which Leo was elected was significant,' Lohse said. '(It showed) that what we are perceiving in him is obviously not just our perception. There was a whole College of Cardinals that saw the same thing. … He's calling for our authenticity and integrity and Christians. Talk is cheap — let's put it into action. Let's be the people we say we are. That's coming through very clear.' Lohse chose verses from Matthew Chapter 16 for the gospel reading Monday. Those verses contain the famous phrase from Jesus, 'On this rock I will build my church.' The bishop reminding everyone that mission from Jesus to Peter has been passed through each Pope through the ages in an unbroken chain leading to their friend and leader, 'Father Bob.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Sydney Morning Herald
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Pope Leo vows not to be an autocrat, receives the ring of office
The informal talks before the Mass gave Prime Minister Anthony Albanese time to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and others. He met the Pope soon after the Mass, shaking hands briefly along with other leaders within the Vatican. Albanese was due to meet Zelensky and von der Leyen in separate talks after the Mass, as the ceremony gives way to an informal leadership gathering in Rome. The Vatican said the Pope would meet with Zelensky the same afternoon. The pontiff took his first Popemobile ride through St Peter's Square ahead of the Mass, waving from the back of the all-electric, open-back Mercedes truck to the crowd that waved flags and cheered 'Viva il Papa!' The bells of St Peter's Basilica tolled as Pope Leo waved from the back of the truck, which looped slowly through the square. The crowd cheered, with some waving Peruvian, American and Holy See flags – in recognition that the Pope, born in Chicago, had served as a bishop in Peru for more than two decades. While the funeral Mass for Pope Francis was a sombre ceremony on April 26, the inauguration of Leo began as a celebration for a new and – by all signs – popular Pope. Worshippers from around the world sang, waved national flags and mingled while they waited for the service to begin. The Mass filled St Peter's Square, which has a capacity of about 80,000 people, and the crowd spilt into the streets beyond. The Vatican estimated 150,000 gathered for the Mass. In a homily broadcast around the world, Pope Leo criticised the global economic system and said it 'exploits the Earth's resources and marginalises the poorest'. He emphasised love as the mission of the church, contrasting this with trying to capture others by force, religious propaganda or power. He said he would govern 'without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat' and acknowledged the decision by the College of Cardinals to choose him to lead the church. 'I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother,' he said. Pope Leo, born in Chicago in 1955, became the first North American to be made pontiff when the College of Cardinals elected him on May 8 to succeed Pope Francis, the first South American pontiff. Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli, in Rome for the inaugural Mass, said the reaction to Leo suggested his first message had resonated with people around the world, including Australians. 'People of all kinds see Pope Leo as a leader of the world – not just for Catholics,' he told this masthead. One example, he said, was the way Pope Leo spoke of new issues for humanity such as artificial intelligence, confronting ethical questions over the new technology. Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher, also in Rome, described the Pope as someone who wanted to ease differences between people. 'I think he's a very centred and centrist pope, and I think there's been lots of signs of that already,' he said. 'He's centred on Christ. That's his big message, again and again, about what Christ brings. I think he's not going to be one to provoke storms. He'll be much more one to pour oil on troubled waters. 'In a very divided world, in a polarised culture and politics, he's going to be one for bringing people together. I think you see that in his messages so far, and I think that is very much his personality, too.' Pope Leo prepared for the Mass by receiving a vestment known as a pallium to signify his elevation to the papacy. Shaped in a white band and woven from wool, the pallium is seen as a symbol of the lamb Jesus carried on his shoulders, and the role of the pope as shepherd of the faithful. The previous pontiff, Pope Francis, described the pallium as a symbol of those the shepherd looked after. In one of the most important moments during the Mass, Leo received the Fisherman's ring, signifying the role of St Peter and all later popes as the 'fishers of men' in church tradition. While Pope Francis departed from custom by choosing a silver ring, the Vatican distributed images of the ring for Pope Leo showing St Peter on a gold background. Unseen by those in the square, Pope Leo prepared for the Mass by descending to the foundations of St Peter's Basilica to venerate the bones of St Peter, who was put to death by the Romans in AD 68 because of his faith. Archaeological work at St Peter's Basilica uncovered more of the necropolis beneath the building in the 1950s and 1960s, leading to the discovery of the bones of a man aged in his 60s. Pope Paul VI said in 1968 that these were the remains of St Peter. There is no coronation for the pope, but there has traditionally been a recognition that he is a head of state, given Vatican City is the world's smallest country. The last pontiff to be crowned as a king was Pope Paul VI in 1963, who wore the 'triple tiara' to represent the three roles of the pontiff as father of kings, governor of the world and vicar of Christ. Pope Paul was given the tiara, which featured pierced silver and three gold bands set with precious gems, by the people of Milan. But he set it aside as a symbolic gift to the poor one year after his papacy began. No pope has been crowned since. The Mass ended with sustained applause across St Peter's Square as Leo XIV returned to the Vatican, confirmed in office with the Fisherman's ring. His next duty was to speak with leaders from an estimated 150 countries, ranging from presidents to princes. One by one, he shook their hands.
Gulf Today
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Ras Al Khaimah Ruler attends Pope Leo XIV inauguration ceremony
On behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, on Sunday attended the inauguration ceremony of Pope Leo XIV as head of the Catholic Church, succeeding the late Pope Francis. The ceremony took place in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, in the Italian capital Rome, in the presence of several heads of state, leaders and world dignitaries. Sheikh Saud conveyed to Pope Leo XIV the congratulations of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the confidence entrusted to him by the College of Cardinals in the Vatican, wishing His Holiness success in advancing the values of peace and coexistence, and in supporting intercultural and humanitarian dialogue, as well as closer ties among peoples and religions. Sheikh Saud affirmed that the UAE is committed to promoting its humanitarian mission and working with Pope Leo XIV to consolidate the values of peace, coexistence and tolerance globally, while supporting joint efforts aimed at finding solutions to humanitarian and social challenges that benefit all of humanity. He also highlighted the importance of upholding the principles of tolerance, peace and dialogue among religions around the world, through the Document on Human Fraternity signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by the His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, and the late Pope Francis. The document marked a historic milestone and a shining example of interfaith rapprochement and human fraternity. WAM
