Robert translation is the new pope Leo fourteenths

Cardinal Robert Francis, a 69-year-old Chicago American, has been elected new pope and chose the name Leo XIV, the Vatican’s official portal, the Vatican News, announced. He is the first American to head the Roman Catholic Church.

The French Cardinal Dominic Mamberti, a protojacon of the conclave, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and about 45,000 assembled believers in the square of the same name, announced the choice with the traditional words « Habemus Papam » (« We Have Papa »). About 70 minutes later, Pope Leo XIV came out on the balcony and greeted believers with the words: « Peace to all of you. »

White smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel rose at 18:07 local time, marking the choice of the 267th pope. The new head, who spent most of his career as a missionary in Peru, became a cardinal in 2023. From 2015 to 2023 he was a bishop of Chiclayo, and in 2023 Pope Francis appointed him as a prefect of the Episcopes, an influential position associated with the election of bishops around the world.

Known for its quiet style and support for Francis’ reforms, translation advocates for social justice, equality and greater openness of the Church.

« Our job is to expand the tent and show that everyone is welcome in the church, » he said in 2023.

His closeness to Francis’ vision for environmental protection, support for the poor and migrants, as well as the permit to receive holy communion for divorced and again civilian marriage couples, made it prominent among the cardinals.

Translation, born on September 14, 1955 in Chicago, has a Bachelor of Mathematics, Masters Degree in Theology and Cannon Law Doctorate from the Papal College « St. Thomas Akinski » in Rome. As a member of the Augustini, he was ordained a priest in 1982 and spent many years on missions in Peru, where he also served as a bishop.

Expectations from the new pope are high, especially after Francis’ reforms, which has been leading the church for greater inclusiveness for 12 years.