Robert Provost Inaugurated as Pope Leo XIV; Beginning of a New Era of Leadership for the World’s Catholics

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International Service: Robert Provost, now 69, will ascend the papal throne as the 267th successor to St. Peter and will be known as Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American to achieve this position. Many know him as a well-known figure in Latin America due to his long-standing activities in Peru and his service as a bishop.

According to Mehr News Agency, Provost was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent. He served the church since childhood and was ordained a priest in 1982. He then went to Peru and served for many years as a priest and abbot of a monastery in his hometown. Provost also holds Peruvian citizenship and is known in the country as a popular figure who works to help the disadvantaged.

In his first speech after being elected as pope, Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor, Francis, saying: “We still hear in our ears the weak but courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us.” Then, addressing the crowd, he said: “United and hand in hand with God, we will go forward together.” He also mentioned his background in the Augustinian order and his religious activities in Peru.

Provost is known in particular for his prominent role in the management of the Dicastery of Bishops in Latin America, which is responsible for overseeing and electing bishops. He was elevated to the rank of archbishop in January 2023 and was made a cardinal by Pope Francis a few months later.

 

Views of Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV will be known as a supporter of Pope Francis' reforms in the Catholic Church. He shares views similar to Pope Francis on issues such as supporting immigrants, caring for the poor, and protecting the environment. Provost has been outspoken on social and political issues during his time as a cardinal. He has even criticized the Trump administration's policies in the United States and on immigration.

Provost posted on the social network "X" (formerly Twitter) in which he criticized decisions regarding the deportation of legal immigrants. In this post, he specifically mentioned the words of US Vice President J.D. Vance and expressed criticism of his views.

Although Provost is a citizen of the United States, his Latin American background and his relationship with Pope Francis, who was from Argentina, have created a kind of connection between the two popes from the Americas. The Vatican has named him the second pope from the Americas.

 

Challenges facing Pope Leo XIV

Leo XIV's leadership period begins at a time when the Church is facing various challenges, including priest sex scandals and global crises such as the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Pope Francis has previously strongly supported the Palestinians, and Leo XIV is expected to take this path and play an active role in resolving these crises.