[Jericho]

Thank you Jericho.  Your link also takes us to the Pope's first homily which I found inspiring. 

It sounds as if he will be a missionary Pope.

You’re welcome Sheena!

[James]

My initial impression is that Pope Leo will prove to be very good.

Perhaps a providential sign is that he belongs to the religious order of Martin Luther, which may indicate that the epoch of rebellion against Catholic truth that he initiated is coming to an end.

[MaryAlice]

Yep. Pope Leo The 14th - An American Cardinal becoming pope

Interesting. He was not on the radar screen on any of the lists of "papabile" that I had seen. My sense is that he was a compromise candidate between "conservatives" and "progressives." From what I have read, he is perceived as a centrist, with generally conservative views on doctrine but some progressive stands on social issues. He is from the U.S. but as a bishop in Peru, he has a connection with the southern hemisphere. Leo XIII was one of the great popes, who strangely has not been canonized. He is considered the father of Catholic social teaching, which began with his 1891 encyclical "Rerum Novarum." So the new pope has picked a worthy namesake. I pray that Leo XiV will be a great unifier.

Interestingly enough, Steve Bannon (a huge radio and TV talk show host here in the U.S.) predicted a week before the Conclave that Prevost would be elected.  Don't know where Bannon gets his information, but he's been very good at predictions over the past several years, but mostly on the political front (here in the U.S.)

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It is interesting to me how the election of Leo XIV parallels that of Pope John Paul II in 1978 (the year of three popes). Both were relatively unknown cardinals who were dark horse candidates who few, if any, expected to be elected pope. Neither was prominent on the international stage. Both were a surprise to most people. Also, they both came from countries, Poland and the U.S./Peru, which had never before given us a pope. Both came on the scene at opportune times in their respective countries.  John Paul II contributed to the collapse of communism. Perhaps Pope Leo will add balance on the issue of immigration and migrant rights in the U.S., although how this will play out remains to be seen.

I also heard that he is a strong advocate for Pro-Life and helping the elderly. I also heard that back in 2020 (before he became Pope Leo XIV), he led a Eucharist Procession in Peru. Here is the Pope's upcoming schedule https://catholicvote.org/pope-leo-xiv-of...-released/

Yes, and it's a possibility that Fr. Frank Pavone might be reinstated.  Pp. Francis defrocked Pavone because of his very outspoken remarks on pro-life issues.  Praying for this to come about also!