new pope chosen

CHICAGO CARDINAL NAMED FIRST POPE FROM UNITED STATES

 

New Pope is viewed as a moderate

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy of Vatican News Service

May 8, 2025 (San Diego)—In a historic move, the conclave of cardinals at the Vatican has chosen Chicago Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost to be the 267th Pope, the first American to lead the Catholic church worldwide. He will serve as Pope Leo XIV, succeeding the late Pope Francis.

“Peace be with you all,” the new Pope greeted the crowd gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, where he spoke in both Italian and Spanish.

His appointment came as a surprise, since he was not among the top contenders named in media reports, leading to speculation that he may have emerged as a consensus, compromise candidate, chosen on the second day of the conclave.


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