69-year-old American, Robert Francis Prevost, has been announced as the new head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City St
69-year-old American, Robert Francis Prevost, has been announced as the new head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State.
The death of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis, on 21st April at age 88 after battling double pneumonia, called for a new pope to succeed him.
The Chicago-born Vicar of Christ thanked the cardinals, crowd and the entire Catholic Church around the world for honour.
Pope Leo XIV thanks the cardinals who elected him during the two-day Conclave.
“We can all walk together towards that homeland God has prepared for us,” he says. “A special greeting to the Church of Rome.”
Provost then switches to Spanish to thank his former diocese in Peru “where a loyal people has shared its faith and has given a lot”.
Addressing the excited crowd in Italian, the 69-year-old says:
“Peace be with all of you.
“Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected. I would like to offer a greeting of peace to reach your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you.”
The new pope urged the crowd to pray to the Virgin Mary “together” for her blessing.
Pope Leo is ready to act as the agent of peace for the world as he embarks on a journey to unite the world.
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