The Conclave concluded Thursday with the selection of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new leader of the Catholic Church.
Prevost’s election might take many by surprise since the Church has never appointed a Pope from the United States before.
He follows in the footsteps of Pope Leo XIII, who famously wrote the encyclical Rerum Novarum, condemning socialism. As noted back in 2019, this was during a time when society was grappling with labor issues emerging from the industrial revolution.
Interestingly, Rerum Novarum was published in 1890, around the same time Labor Day became established in the U.S. Factories and mass production were rapidly changing the old agricultural economy, disrupting long-held beliefs and creating new economic hurdles, but also opportunities. Amidst this chaos, people were naturally eager to find a way to restore social balance.
However, power dynamics shifted significantly as the old conservative political framework struggled to provide viable alternatives, which included anarchism, socialism, and communism.
In response, some enlightened leaders realized a fresh, creative approach was necessary to prevent revolution.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost might have been a well-known figure in the clergy for over two decades had he lived in the late 1980s. His journey began when he took vows in 1977 and joined the Order of St. Augustine in 1981 before becoming a priest in 1982.
Reports suggest that Prevost shares many views with his predecessor, Pope Francis, although there are discrepancies on some contentious matters. According to various sources:
While cardinals seldom speak on major topics, some of Prevost’s stances are known. He is said to align closely with Francis’ focus on environmental issues, outreach to the poor, and engaging with immigrants, famously stating, “I don’t think the bishop is a little prince sitting in his kingdom.”
He has backed changes to Pope Francis’ pastoral approaches, allowing divorced and remarried Catholics to partake in communion. Compared to Francis, he’s a bit less supportive of LGBTQ advocacy, though he expressed some mild approval for certain initiatives.
As bishop of Chiclayo, he opposed the government’s gender theory education initiative, stating, “The promotion of gender ideology is confusing because we are trying to create genders that do not exist.”
Prevost faced his share of controversies while serving as a bishop, particularly regarding the investigation of two priests accused of sexual abuse. Supporters argue that he was the target of a smear campaign.
A local woman claimed she and others had been sexually abused by the two priests long before they accused Prevost of mishandling the investigation, saying one of the priests continued to celebrate Mass.
The Diocese of Chiclayo mentioned that Prevost initiated a thorough investigation after his arrival, which had previously stalled. His supporters maintain that he is a victim of a smear campaign orchestrated by factions within the Peruvian Catholic movement.
A close associate remarked that Prevost is more humble than Pope Francis and tends to carry himself with a bit more restraint.
