Pontiff builds bridges

• Cardinal Prevost became the first U.S. citizen to hold the papacy on May 8, making him the first U.S. citizen to hold this office.

• The election occurred after a swift conclave, placing the Chicago-born Prevost at the head of 1.4 billion Catholics.

• Prevost was regarded as a “dark horse” candidate, with public speculation favoring other potential candidates.

• His election highlighted the unpredictable nature of papal elections.

• Pope Leo XIV addressed the assembled crowd for the first time, emphasizing themes of peace, dialogue, and a missionary church dedicated to those who suffer.

• Prevost’s ascension to the papacy draws comparisons to Pope John Paul II, whose pontificate is credited with inspiring Poland’s Solidarity movement and challenging the communist doctrine of state atheism in Eastern Europe.

• Prevost was appointed as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops by Pope Francis in January 2023, continuing Francis’s pastoral vision.

• Prevost was praised for direct pastoral engagement, such as founding a new parish for St. Rita in a poor district of Trujillo, Peru, and personally delivering aid to flood victims in Chiclayo.

• During his 2022 episcopacy in Chiclayo, Peru, complaints against priests led to accusations of mishandling by victim advocates group ‘SNAP’.