World leaders wasted no time in congratulating Robert Francis Prevost (Pope Leo XIV) on his election as the 267th pope and leader of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8.
“I know you are a humanist, also close to those who are less fortunate,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said. “There will be a very good relationship with Mexico … We will extend an invitation to you in due time.”
U.S. President Donald Trump called it a “great honor” to have an American pope.
In his first address from St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo signaled his intention to continue some of Pope Francis’ progressive approaches to issues such as migration and climate change.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Prevost is the first Augustinian pope and the second from the Americas after Pope Francis. Before his election, he served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, playing a key role in advising the Vatican on bishop appointments worldwide.
Please login or subscribe to view the complete article.