Leo XIV, elevated by Francis, becomes first American pope
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Introduction:
The news topic “Leo XIV, elevated by Francis, becomes first American pope” has drawn international attention, with various media outlets providing diverse insights, historical context, political stances, and on-the-ground developments. Below is a curated overview of how different countries and media organizations have covered this topic recently.
Quick Summary:
- Father John Rice of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Parkersburg said the first two words that came to him on hearing of the election of Pope Leo XIV were “surprise’ and “elation” “I don’t know of anyone who had him on their radar,” Rice said. “One of the things we believed going into this, and his election kind of proves this, is the Holy Spirit gives us the pope for our times,’ he said. Many people felt that an American-born pope would be a long shot because of the United States’ political and economic power within the world, Rice said, adding that Pope Leo spent so many years as a missionary in Peru that he brings that pastoral heart to the people wherever they are. The new pope also has a doctorate in canon law so he will be “someone who can articulate very succinctl”
- Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. Born in Chicago in 1955, Leo XIV is the first American to ascend to the papacy. Many consider him as much Latin American due to his decades-long mission work in Peru. His message to the faithful was simple and hopeful: “United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together.’‘Leo XIV shares much with his predecessor—empathy for the poor, a focus on migrants, concern for the environment, and a desire for a more inclusive Church’ ‘“A bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom,” he once remarked. “We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us” ‘
Country-by-Country Breakdown:
Locals react to announcement of newly elected Pope Leo XIV
Father John Rice of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Parkersburg said the first two words that came to him on hearing of the election of Pope Leo XIV were “surprise’ and “elation” “I don’t know of anyone who had him on their radar,” Rice said. “One of the things we believed going into this, and his election kind of proves this, is the Holy Spirit gives us the pope for our times,’ he said. Many people felt that an American-born pope would be a long shot because of the United States’ political and economic power within the world, Rice said, adding that Pope Leo spent so many years as a missionary in Peru that he brings that pastoral heart to the people wherever they are. The new pope also has a doctorate in canon law so he will be “someone who can articulate very succinctl” Read full article
Who Is Robert Francis Prevost? The missionary who became the first American Pope
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. Born in Chicago in 1955, Leo XIV is the first American to ascend to the papacy. Many consider him as much Latin American due to his decades-long mission work in Peru. His message to the faithful was simple and hopeful: “United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together.’‘Leo XIV shares much with his predecessor—empathy for the poor, a focus on migrants, concern for the environment, and a desire for a more inclusive Church’ ‘“A bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom,” he once remarked. “We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us” ‘ Read full article
Pope Leo XIV begins papacy with call for peace, unity
The newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, will celebrate his inaugural mass on Friday. The 69-year-old Chicago native, born Robert Francis Prevost, was chosen by the College of Cardinals in a swift conclave held within the Sistine Chapel. On Friday at 11:00 a.m. local time (0900 GMT), he will return to St. Peter’s Basilica to celebrate a private mass with fellow cardinals. The event will be televised globally and feature his first homily as pope. In his brief first address, the new pontiff struck a conciliatory and inclusive tone, echoing themes championed by his predecessor, Pope Francis. The new pope will need to navigate a deeply polarized Church and continue addressing the lingering impacts of the clergy sexual abuse crisis. Read full article
Cardinal Robert Prevost announced as first American pope, taking name Leo XIV
The current dean of the College of Cardinals is Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. He convenes the conclave and presides as the electors take their oaths. The Domus Santa Marta, built in 1996, specifically houses cardinals during a conclave. Pope Francis never moved out after he was elected, choosing to live in suite 201 rather than the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace. Because there are so many electors this time and not enough room in the main building, some are being housed in an adjacent residence. The three cardinals chosen by a random drawing from the electors, who are charged with gathering the ballots of any electors who made it to Rome but are ill during theConclave. The current protodeacon is French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who announces the new pope’s birth name and the name he has chosen to use as pope. Read full article
May 8, 2025 Leo XIV elected as first American pope
Black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Wednesday evening, signaling that the cardinals had voted but not yet reached the two-thirds majority needed to elect a new pope. No one was really expecting white smoke last night. That’s because the first vote is really about setting out where the support lies within theCardinals. If there is white smoke early in the conclave, it would indicate that one of the frontrunners may have achieved the consensus.Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are seen as favorites. They are known – that’s what makes them frontrunners. There was an embrace from Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re during the Mass. Read full article
Global Perspectives Summary:
Global media portray this story through varied cultural, economic, and political filters. While some focus on geopolitical ramifications, others highlight local impacts and human stories. Some nations frame the story around diplomatic tensions and international relations, while others examine domestic implications, public sentiment, or humanitarian concerns. This diversity of coverage reflects how national perspectives, media freedom, and journalistic priorities influence what the public learns about global events.
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Sources:
- Locals react to announcement of newly elected Pope Leo XIV
- Who Is Robert Francis Prevost? The missionary who became the first American Pope
- Pope Leo XIV begins papacy with call for peace, unity
- Cardinal Robert Prevost announced as first American pope, taking name Leo XIV
- May 8, 2025 Leo XIV elected as first American pope
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/08/pope-leo-robert-prevost-conclave-catholic/