After the choice of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new Pope, who has assumed the name of Leo XIV, various cardinals who participated in the conclave shared their first impressions, highlighting the human and pastoral qualities of the new Pontiff.
North America
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Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York (United States), explained At a press conference Together with other US cardinals from the United States who, before the conclave, were looking for a candidate who was “a good shepherd, a good spiritual guide. And that generally translates into that an important part of their Curriculum life Be an extensive pastoral experience. ”In that sense, he said that Pope Leo XIV has those characteristics, as well as his predecessor, Pope Francis.
The American Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke also He called to pray Through his social networks by Pope Leo XIV, asking God to grant him wisdom, strength and courage in these difficult times.
Latin America
From Latin America, Cardinal Fernando Chomalí, archbishop of Santiago de Chile, shared at the end of the Mass in the Sistine Chapel this May 9, Through a videothat the new Pope is “a simple, humble man, of great spiritual depth, following St. Augustine, faith and reason.” He added that it is “a man of God who prays and listens a lot. I think he will do a great service to the Church, according to the footprints of Jesus Christ.”
Ecuadorian cardinal Luis Cabrera, archbishop of Guayaquil, also offered his testimony To the press of his country this May 9, noting that in the meetings he had with Robert Prevost he perceived him as “an American with Latin American soul.”
He stressed that his experience in Peru and, above all, his work as a prior to the order of San Agustín led him to tour the five continents and gave him the ability to know “the pain, misery, the needs of the people”, adding that he is someone who “lets himself be touched by those realities, but that he does not become unstoven, but responds”.
He also said he is a man with a way of being “very humble, very simple. A person who thinks and makes the right decisions.”
Europa
From Europe, Cardinal Juan José Omella, archbishop of Barcelona (Spain), who claimed to maintain a friendship of years with the new Pope, said at a press conference this May 9 that Leo XIV is “very sensitive to all the problem that is presented today in the world”, mentioning hunger, poverty, justice and human values. “All this he carries in his heart, how can it be otherwise, because he is a good shepherd, very sensitive,” he said.
Africa
Given the debates about whether Leo XIV is a conservative or progressive Pope, Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, Archbishop of Rabat (Morocco), of Spanish origin, He warned in an interview with Cáritas in Paraguay this day, That this classification It does not apply within the Church. “I understand that in the world of politics it is done, but among us it is difficult to classify people with such simple features. It can be progressive in one aspect and conservative in another,” he said.
He pointed out that Leo XIV is “a different person, with his own character, with personal ideas, with unique accents and nuances,” and clarified that his pontificate should not be understood as a mere continuity of Pope Francis, but as a fidelity to the core of the Christian faith: “give continuity to what is Jesus Christ and his kingdom, to the tradition of the Church; not continuity to Pope Francis.
Cardinal Guinean Robert Sarah described The choice as a “great joy” and raised prayers by the new Pope.
Asia
Cardinal Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle also shared his impression on the new Pontiff. He described him as “very human, very humble, but very insightful.” In press conference This May 9, he stressed that one of its main qualities is that it is “a very balanced person. It is not the type that is allowed to guide only for impulses and reactions,” and added that “it has a fun side, it has a sense of humor and a strong laugh.”
On his leadership style, Tagle said: “He listens and, if necessary, studies the issues. He does not make decisions immediately, first analyzes it. But when he returns, everything is clear.”
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, He also made his congratulation publicbegging God to strengthen Leo XIV so that he can guide the people of God with holiness, justice and love.
Diego López Colín
I am a graduate of journalism at the Carlos Septién García school with experience of religious institutional communication. Since 2016 I write for digital media and, since 2018, I report the most important news about the Catholic event in Mexico for the Ewtn news channel. ACI Press correspondent in Mexico since 2023.