A new pope has been chosen: the American Robert Prevost (69) is now Pope Leo XIV. The Bishop of Den Bosch, Gerard de Korte, expects the new Pope to have an eye for the vulnerable in the world. “In the footsteps of Pope Francis, this pope will continue to give voice to the voice in this world as a moral leader,” says De Korte.
The new pope has chosen the name Leo XIV. According to Bisschop De Korte, he seems to consciously indicate in a direction with this name. “In the chosen name I see a reference to Leo XIII, the pope of the first social encyclical ‘Rerum Novarum’ (1891).”
An encyclical is an important papal document. The document to which De Korte refers is written by Pope Leo XIII. The letter discusses, among other things, the situation of the working class. “The new pope will certainly have an eye for the vulnerable of our world,” the bishop thinks.
According to him, that was also apparent from the Pope’s first speech: “In his speech on the balcony of St. Peter’s, the Pope often spoke about his deep desire for peace for our world-ravaged world.”
‘Wise and accessible impression’
Furthermore, De Korte expects that the new Pope social thinking about ‘just society’ will further develop developments. “In the footsteps of Pope Francis, this pope will continue to give voice to the voice in this world as a moral leader.”
Bisschop de Korte continues: “My first impression of the new Pope is a wise, accessible, inspiring man with a deep love for the living Christ and his church. It was striking that the new pope frequently used the word ‘tutti’ (all), with which he referred to a loved word of his predecessor Pope Franciscus, who are welcome.”
“Pope Leo XIV spoke about a church in dialogue with all, a religious community who wants to give help to everyone who needs it.”
Pro Petri Sede
The Papal Association Pro Petri Sede from Oudenbosch hopes that the Thursday chosen Pope Leo XIV “with the same duty of duty” will give substance to the pope office if his predecessor Franciscus will give substance to the pope office. The association was very pleased with the announcement of the new Pope.
“Let’s pray for Pope Leo XIV that he can lead the world church with new moral authority in favor of the whole world in this noisy time,” says Pro Petri Sede. “We wish him that the Holy Spirit will inspire him for that.”
Around 7.15 pm the Vatican announced that the American Robert Prevost will be the new pope of the Roman Catholic Church and that he has accepted the name Leo XIV.