Leo XIV has long supported the previous Pope, Pope Francis. He supported him in blessing same-sex couples and other people in “irregular situations.” However, he also believed that bishops had to interpret it in directives by local cultures.
Pope Leo “didn’t” think he’d win election, brother reveals
Like his predecessor, Leo has spoken out about the threat of climate change, and said last year that it’s time to move from “words to action.” He also said that humanity has to build a “relationship of reciprocity” with the environment. Moreover, he has supported the installation of solar panels and the adoption of electric vehicles.
Pope Francis was also a supporter of women joining the Dicastery for Bishops. In 2023, he told Vatican News that he had, on several occasions, seen women’s “point of view as an enrichment.”
Before becoming Pope, Leo’s most high-profile role inside the Vatican was President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the selection of new bishops worldwide.
Exactly how many votes Leo received inside the conclave is not known. He was not among the favorites beforehand. Speaking to NBC Chicago, John Prevost revealed that he asked his brother if he had watched the movie Conclave before the start of the real papal conclave, so he’d “know how to behave” if he were elected.
“So he knew how to behave. So it’s that kind of stuff, because I wanted to take his mind off of it, laugh about something, because this is now an awesome responsibility,” Prevost told NBC, adding that Pope Leo was doubtful about ‘winning’ the election..
“He didn’t think so. I kind of did, because what I was reading and what I was hearing that there were three outstanding candidates that were in first, second and third place. The Cardinal from the Philippines, the Secretary of State and him,” Prevost said, concluding that he “didn’t believe” that his brother actually won.
Donald Trump congratulates
“I didn’t believe it, and Rob didn’t believe it. I should say, Pope Leo didn’t believe it at all, because there’s not going to be an American pope was the attitude,” Prevost said.
Leo’s papacy will go down in history as the first to be American. It didn’t take long before US President Donald Trump congratulated the newly elected Pope through his Truth Social account.
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
The President added, “I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he was a “little bit surprised” that Pope Leo won the election but reiterated that it was an “absolutely great honor.” He added, “It’s such a great honor for our country, an American pope, and what greater honor can there be?”
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