More than two weeks after the death of the Supreme Pontiff and on its second day of deliberation, the conclave surprised the world with the white smoke from the Sistine Chapel announcing the election of the new hierarch of the Catholic Church.
The 69-year-old Chicago-born Prevost, who was prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, is considered a highly capable and experienced leader, and is noted for his role as head of the Vatican’s powerful office for the appointment of bishops, evaluating candidates and making recommendations to the pope.
Biographical information shows that Prevost, born in Chicago, is a member of the Augustinian religious order, of which he became global superior, and worked for many years in Peru.
He then served as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, before being chosen by Francis to head the Vatican’s episcopal office. His first words were “peace be with you,” in an emotion-filled message in which he twice made mention of his predecessor, to whom he was very close.
He said -speaking at some point in perfect Spanish- that this is a church that walks, that always seeks peace, that always seeks to be on the side of those who suffer.
When the first pope of the United States, Leo XIV, appeared on the balcony of the Vatican, a standing ovation was heard. One difference: he wore the red cape, the one Francis never wore.
The question now is will he follow Francis’ legacy?
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