The smoke above the Vatican is white. On Thursday evening local time, Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new Pope. The 69-year-old took the name Leo XIV, the first Leo in over a hundred years. While Catholics worldwide celebrated him, some were less than happy. On social media, Leo are now being criticized by MAGA supporters.
Only two days after the conclave of Catholic cardinals met in Vatican City and looked themselves in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope, the smoke on top of the building was white; a new pope had been elected. American Robert Prevost appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to the roar of thousands of people gathered in St Peter’s Square. He took the name Leo XIV, meaning 13 popes before him have chosen.
Opening up with CBS, Dennis Doyle, a theologian and professor emeritus of religious studies at the University of Dayton, explained that a pope’s name indicates “a certain spirit and direction and vision of the new pope.”
“The first thing that you would look for would be, which popes had that name before?” he said. “That would signify something about the direction that the pope wants to take.”
According to CBS papal contributor Candida Moss, the name Leo can be traced back to Pope Leo the Great. He held his papacy from 440 to 461 and famously met with Attila the Hun and talked him out of attacking Rome.
“What does this mean for our new Pope? Well, it might mean that he, too, is going to stand up to oppressive political forces in the world,” Moss told CBS, adding that Leo is known as a “great intellectual and theological reformer. “
Pope Leo XIV
When appearing on the balcony, Pope Leo XIV held a ceremonial speech to Catholics worldwide, beginning with the words, “Peace be with you.”
“Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you.”, Leo continued.
Family vacation packages
Next
ADVERTISEMENT
