The Bishop of Arundel and Brighton has welcomed the election of Pope Leo the 14th with high praise.
Calling it “a significant moment for the Catholic Church,” the Right Reverend Richard Moth celebrated the historic rise of the first American pope.
In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, American-born Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Leo XIV. His election marks the first time a U.S. citizen has ascended to the papacy, signaling a new era for the global Church.
Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV has spent much of his ministry abroad, particularly in Latin America. After joining the Order of St. Augustine in 1978, he served as a missionary in Peru and later became Bishop of Chiclayo. His extensive pastoral experience and deep ties to both North and South America reflect the increasingly global nature of the Church.
In 2023, then-Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the most influential positions in the Vatican. The role placed him at the center of key leadership decisions within the Church, and his election to the papacy confirms his standing as a trusted and forward-thinking leader.
By choosing the name Leo XIV, he draws a symbolic link to Pope Leo XIII, who championed workers’ rights and social justice in the late 19th century. This choice is seen by many as a continuation of Pope Francis’s emphasis on inclusivity, outreach, and global solidarity.
In his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with a simple but powerful message: “Peace be with all of you.” He called for unity within the Church and reaffirmed its mission to be open, compassionate, and engaged with the modern world.
Church leaders and analysts see his election as a moment of hope and renewal. While rooted in tradition, Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue efforts at reform and dialogue, particularly within a rapidly changing global landscape.
As he begins his papacy, Catholics around the world are watching closely, hopeful that this new chapter will bring both stability and inspiration.
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