I’m rather surprised no one has posted pope news yet. So here you go. His past writings suggest a liberal bent, but popes are wont to surprise.
Robert Francis Prevost has become the first clergyman from the United States to lead the Roman Catholic church, ending the Vatican’s longstanding opposition to the idea of a US pontiff.
The 69-year-old from Chicago has taken the papal name Pope Leo XIV, a senior cardinal announced from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on Thursday evening.
The announcement, which followed white smoke billowing from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, prompted raucous celebration and delight among the 50,000 pilgrims and tourists in St Peter’s Square.
I’ll respectfully avoid the reference to guys from Chicago in Star Trek: Picard.
Prevost was prior general of the Augustine order and later the prefect of the dicastery of bishops. He has a lot of experience steering and organisation like that and great connections amongst the episcopal branch.
I think he’ll do just fine, certainly having Francis pave the way for him.