Cardinal Robert Francis Brevost takes over the papacy in the name of “Liu XIV”
American Cardinal Robert Francis Port Papa was elected to the Vatican, thus becoming Pope No. 267 of the Catholic Church, and the name “Liu XIV” is taken. The new Pope first appeared in front of the masses from the balcony of St. Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
A biography rich in international experience
The new Pope, 69, who is from Chicago, is the first American to hold this position in the history of the church. Despite the traditional concerns of an American choice due to the political influence of the United States, his long missionary work in Peru contributed to alleviating these reservations.
A missionary march in Peru
Perform spent more than a contract in the missionary work in Trujio, Peru, then he was appointed bishop in the city of Chiclio, where he served until 2023. He also assumed the position of General President of the Uganese monasticism, giving him global leadership experience.
A role in appointing bishops
In recent years, the Vatican body in charge of appointing the bishops has presided over the evaluation of the candidates and submitted recommendations. He also held the position of Chairman of the Pontifical Committee of Latin America.
Calm
Privost is described as a quiet and balanced leader, able to make progress without resorting to a authoritarian style. “He is clear in his vision, but he does not impose it strongly,” the Vatican analyst Eliz Allen said, noting that the Vatican sees a leader who is able to change without a clash.
His academic background
Pievost obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Villanova, then he studied theology in Chicago, before he was sent to Rome to obtain a doctorate in ecclesiastical law. A priest was drawn in 1982, and later taught ecclesiastical law in Peru.
Promises of reform
In a previous interview, Privost stressed his commitment to the missionary responsibility and reforms within the church, as he pointed out the importance of involving women in ecclesiastical bodies, and stressed the existence of a “real and effective participation” by them. He also stressed the continuation of work to combat the attacks inside the church, saying that “the road is still long.”
