There was shock and surprise yesterday in St Peter’s Square when Robert Francis Prevost was revealed as pope.
The Chicago-born cardinal had not featured in the names of the men most likely to be voted through by the 133 Cardinals in the conclave. And he was unknown to most observers watching events in Rome, leaving commentators rushing to learn more about the Augustinian who at 69 could lead the church for the next two decades.
But what kind of Pope will be? He has already expressed socially conservative views, at odds with Francis, and his key task will be in unifying a church of 1.4 billion people.
His choice of name is seen as an indicator that he will be strong on the same issues that concerned the previous pope Leo: gross social inequality and social justice as well as the rights and duties of capital as well as labour.
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[ Who is Robert Prevost? The American cardinal who is the new Pope Leo XIVOpens in new window ]
Patsy McGarry has now reported on three papal conclaves. He tells In the News of the reaction in Rome yesterday, details the new Pope’s career to date and explores how Leo XIV will lead the Catholic Church.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.
