Our new Pope was elected on Thursday evening, when white smoke was visible around the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, says he hopes that his election can bring light to the “dark nights of this world”.
Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost (69) was elected by fellow cardinals to lead the world’s 1.4 billon Catholics.
In his first words as Pope, appearing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo said:
“Peace be with you. Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you”.
Celebrating his first Mass as Pope on Friday, he told cardinals in the Sistine Chapel that he hoped to be a “faithful administrator” for the entire Church.