News from Italy
The Pope’s mission
The calendars showed the date of May 8, 2025…
Eighty years ago, World War II, which caused the death of 60 million, ended today…
The Cardinals, known as the Princes of the Church, were locked in the Sistine Chapel, and all their ties with the world were severed…
Three of the Conclave votes that started on May 7 ended with white smoke, and the 4th round of voting was underway…
All eyes were turned to the smoke coming out of the stove chimney installed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican…
Although his name had not yet been announced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the crowds waiting below were already chanting “Viva il Papa.”
Finally, the “white smoke” heralding the new Pope rose from the roof of the Sistine Chapel, which was decorated with Michelangelo’s frescoes…
When they saw the white smoke in St. Peter’s Square, which signalled the election of the new leader of the Catholic World, they were filled with great joy; some began to cry…
St. Peter’s Basilica bells announced the election of a new leader for the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide…
Finally, Senior Cardinal Deacon Dominique Mamberti appeared on the famous balcony, the Loggia of the Blessings…
With the words “Habemus Papam,” he made the much-anticipated historical announcement to the crowd in the square and the entire world…
69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost was the 267th Occupant of the Throne of St. Peter. He would be known as Leo XIV…
The crowd was initially surprised to hear that the new Pope was American, but they continued celebrating…
The Pope with multiple identities
News about the new Pope was presented as “The First American Pope.” But contrary to what was offered, he had many identities.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955, Prevost’s family roots stretch back to Italy, Spain, and France.
He grew up in Chicago, where he was born to immigrant parents. He continued his life in Pennsylvania, Rome and Peru.
He studied mathematics and philosophy at Villanova University in Pennsylvania and received a doctorate in Church Law in Rome.
He had studied at a seminary affiliated with the Order of St. Augustine.
In addition to English, he spoke fluent Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese…
He had one foot in Chicago, where he was born as the son of an immigrant family, and the other in Europe. But most of his life was spent in the Latin American geography, where those who stood against crushing fascist coups and the red roses of resistance grew…
He had worked as a missionary for about 20 years in Peru, the country of Pope Francis, which is neighbouring Argentina. Like his predecessor, he had internalised and matured with Latin America’s culture.
In addition to his American identity, he had Peruvian citizenship.
He was also described as “the second Latin American Pope after Francis”.
The touch of Pope Francis…
Pope Leo XIV had many things in common with Pope Francis. Both were children of immigrant families and served in Latin America. Like his predecessor, Pope Leo XIV was known for his modest personality. He preferred having breakfast with Church officials, washing his plates, and being among the people.
He led the Augustinian community, which aimed to help those in need.
He was known in Latin America for his work, especially on behalf of the poor, human rights, and the environment. His life story was like an example of the saying, “It is not where you are born, but your country where your soul is nourished.” The bridge he built with those in need in this challenging geography became his destiny and carried him to the head of the Vatican State as Francis’ successor.
Did Pope Francis see a light of leadership in Prevost?
Did Pope Francis see a light of leadership in Prevost, like the Princes of the College of Cardinals? Did Pope Francis, who thought about the funeral ceremony, the tombstone, the location of his grave and even the shoes he would be buried in, make similar preparations for his successor? We don’t know! However, from the statements and photos shared on social media, we understand that there is a relationship based on respect and love between Pope Francis and Prevost. Pope Francis paved the way for Robert Francis Prevost’s career. He ultimately granted him the Cardinalship, the most critical concrete indicator of this relationship. Pope Francis appointed Prevost, a missionary in Peru since 1985, as the bishop of Chiclayo in 2014. Prevost, who acquired Peruvian citizenship in 2015, was appointed archbishop in January 2023. Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery of Bishops (the office that appoints bishops) and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America in 2023. He also made him a cardinal that same year.
His mission is hidden in his name.
His baptismal name, Robert Francis Prevost and his name during the Papacy contain messages about the Papacy…
Robert, meaning bright, famous, was a name given to royals and nobles in Europe. His predecessor’s preferred papal name, Francis, means “free .” The name of the Saint from Assisi, who left his wealthy family and preferred to live among poor people and help them, is Francis.
Prevost: A name derived from the surname of a French chemist.
Leo, on the other hand, carries the meanings of power, courage, and leadership. Pope Leo XIII expressed his mission. He was a significant reformer known for his commitment to social justice, income equality, and job security.
When we look at Pope Leo XIV’s life story, we see that he followed a path similar to that of Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIII. Pope Leo XIV also confirmed that he would follow this line: We can list them as follows: social equality; economic equality; social justice; defence of labour and justice; achieving world peace…
A Pope who touches global strategies
In his first speech as Pope Leo XIV, elected on a day of historical importance and addressed the people, he began with the words, “Peace be with you.” He remembered Pope Francis and included his words in his speech:
He addressed the leaders from the Loggia, the heart of the facade of the Vatican Basilica, where he went for the first Regina Caeli ceremony on the Good Shepherd Market. He stated that just like Pope Francis, World War III was going on in pieces in the world, and that the lands were being torn apart by violence and armed attacks, and said, “Let there be no more wars.” And as Pope Francis did in his last Easter speech, he called on the leaders who govern the world to “end the war.”
It is known that the Cardinals are looking for three qualities when choosing the new Pope: a leader who can represent the Vatican State internationally, a competent Governor who will manage the functioning of the Vatican from the economy to the infrastructure, and a faithful missionary…
We wish Pope Leo XIV success in all three areas….
One hand is on Pope Francis, the other on Pope Leo XIII, and his eyes are on reforms…
Vita gazette…