American Robert Francis Prevost will be new Pope ::: pope has an important role to play on the international stage

 American Robert Francis Prevost named new pope  

The Cardinals gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel have elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope, 

....who will be called or (took the name) Pope Leo XIV:  Vatican News

From conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, to migration, the climate crisis and schisms in the church, the honeymoon period for the new pope will be short.

The Roman Catholic church has a new leader, the Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV. Once the prayers are over and the crowds have dispersed from St Peter’s Square, what issues must the new pope grapple with?

Church unity

A key task will be to strengthen unity within the church amid growing polarisation in the world and different views and expectations within the church. Some observers believe there is a real risk of schism after 20 years in which there have been popes on either end of the spectrum: the traditional/conservative Benedict XVI, and the liberal/progressive Francis.

International diplomacy

The pope has an important role to play on the international stage, particularly to ensure that religion does not become a fault line. He will face ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan plus the politically divisive issues of migration, the climate crisis, religious freedom and human rights.

Sexual abuse

The legacy of sexual abuse cast a long shadow over Francis’s papacy. He was slow to grasp the scale and systemic nature of the problem, and at first did not understand the pain and anger of survivors. That pain has not gone away, and the new pope’s approach will inevitably come under intense scrutiny.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy:

“Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex on his election to the See of Saint Peter and the beginning of his pontificate.

Ukraine deeply values the Holy See’s consistent position in upholding international law, condemning the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine, and protecting the rights of innocent civilians.

At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace.

I wish His Holiness Leo XIV wisdom, inspiration, and strength—both spiritual and physical—in carrying out his noble mission.

French president Emmanuel Macron:

“A historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful. To Pope Leo XIV, and to all Catholics in France and around the world, I extend a message of fraternity.

On this May 8th, may this new pontificate be one of peace and hope.”

Russian president Vladimir Putin:

“I am confident that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us.”

European Council president António Costa:

“I warmly welcome the election of the new Pope Leo XIV, a moment of hope for millions around the world. In times of division and uncertainty, his spiritual leadership can help inspire unity, compassion, and peace.

The European Union and the Holy See share a deep commitment to human dignity. I’m looking forward to working together in our shared pursuit of the common good.”

US state secretary Marco Rubio:

“The United States looks forward to deepening our enduring relationship with the Holy See with the first American pontiff.”

Lots of other European leaders also published their best wishes, including Spain’s Pedro Sánchez, Poland’s Andrzej Duda and Donald Tusk, Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, Portugal’s Luís Montenegro, Austria’s Christian Stocker, Czech Republic’s Petr Fiala, the Netherlands’ Dick Schoof and many, many others