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We are still recovering from the announcement that revealed the name of the new Pope: the American Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the name Leo XIV. From where I was positioned, although I could see the square and the balcony, I couldn’t hear the audio from the balcony very clearly. I only caught the papal name and then had to look online to find out which Cardinal had been elected.
There’s no doubt the name took us by surprise, and I must say he was certainly not among the best-known Cardinals. I can imagine the priests of Rome and the faithful are suddenly faced with a bishop they know little or nothing about.
When I saw him appear on the balcony, I was favorably impressed by the fact that he wore the mozzetta—something his predecessor chose not to do. His speech also struck me as quite inspired, and the references to Saint Augustine and especially to the Virgin Mary are a promising sign.
I believe Rome, like everyone else, is curious to understand what direction we are headed in. What I sense for now is that he doesn’t seem to be a Pope who immediately warms hearts. What I’m hearing from figures in the conservative Catholic world isn’t particularly hopeful. They consider Prevost a protégé of Cardinal Cupich of Chicago, who is certainly not a conservative; some mention that he was Father James Martin’s favored candidate; and his emphasis on synodality has made more than a few people raise their eyebrows.
As for me, all that remains is to wait and see what direction he will take.
