The new leader of the Roman Catholic Church was elected 69-year-old American cardinal Robert Francis Prev.
On Thursday night, white smoke came from the Sistine Chapel pipe in the Vatican. It announced the new pope’s election. The new leader of the Roman Catholic Church was elected 69-year-old American cardinal Robert Francis Prev. He will rule like Pope Leo Xiv. Cardinal Dominic Maberti went to the balcony of San Peter’s basils to the Vatican and announced to Latin: “Habemus Papam!”, That means “we have a dad.” He then presented a new Pontiff and called it a new name as church leader. A few minutes later, a new pontiff appeared on the balcony. In his speech, Leo Xiv thanked the previous Pope Francis and announced the need to build bridges between the people. “People need Christ as a bridge where they can go to God and his love. Help us and help each other build bridges,” Pontiff said.
Not a favorite
Pontiff Cardinal Robert Francis Extra from Chicago, but most of his career, he worked as a missionary in Peru. Therefore, he is also a citizen of this country.
He became only a cardinal in 2023 and was not one of the most vulnerable applicants for the post of the leader of the Catholic Church. The current father has not talked to journalists and rarely performed publicly.
In 2023, Pope Francis called the Cardinal Prevo to Rome and made it the head of the office, responsible for appointing Catholic priests and bishops around the world.
At a press conference in the Vatican, he said: “Our task is to expand our circle, we want everyone to know about our desire to accept everything in the church.”
In front of the conclave there is a conversation that the Catholic Church needs someone to continue with Pope Francis’ legacy. The previous Pontiff tried to turn to those around the church, but also sought to rule a wide range of people, including those who did not agree with it.
Prior to the conclave, the cardinal was considered specific as a candidate capable of accomplishing such a task: to form bridges between different worlds. Judging by the fact that Cardinals need only four voting twists, they agree with this opinion.
How to choose
The Cardinals gathered to participate in Conclave, which gathered after the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
Throughout history, conclaves lasted from a few days to several months – depending on the level of disagreement about candidates for the holy throne.
In recent years, the process takes less time – the two previous conclaves in 2005 and 2013 lasted two days.
The current conclave is the largest in history. The College of Cardinals has 252 people, but Cardinals under 80 years can vote.
There are 135 such as cardinals as a whole, but the two are unable to participate in the vote because of the disease.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.