Habemus papam (We Have a Pope)

The new leader of the Catholic Church is the first to hail from the US of A. 

After the Sistine Chapel’s smoke burned black Wednesday night and Thursday morning, the chimney finally billowed white around 6 p.m. Vatican time yesterday, meaning the 133 voting cardinals had chosen the 267th pope.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, who chose the papal name Leo XIV, was born in Chicago and ordained an Augustinian priest in 1982 before serving as a missionary and eventually a bishop in Peru. Two years ago, Pope Francis made him a cardinal and brought him to the Vatican to run the office that selects and manages bishops globally.

In his first statements—given in Italian and Spanish—Pope Leo said “peace be with you all,” gave honor to his predecessor, and emphasized the need to build bridges.

CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
The occasion of choosing a new pope is a great opportunity for us to commit to praying for all of our leaders, local and global. May God grant wisdom to all who lead His people.

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)