American Cardinals Unite in Support of Pope Leo

American cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church described the historic papal conclave that concluded this week as relatively easy, with no arm-twisting or overt politicking. When their work was done — and as the outside world waited to learn the new pope’s identity — the cardinals inside the Sistine Chapel “went wild,” one recalled, when the man they had elected privately told them that he would take the name Leo. That name, they said, could be an indication of the pope’s plans. Pope Leo XIII, who spoke in defense of workers’ rights, wrote a landmark papal document, Rerum Novarum, in 1891, addressing the needs and dignity of the working class, which helped spark a social justice movement. The election of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV may define a legacy focused on workers’ rights, immigration, and bridging divides. American cardinals presented the new pope, the first American pontiff, as “a citizen of the entire world,” with his origin being “almost negligible.” They defended his choice against attempts to establish a counterweight to U.S. President Donald Trump. The name Leo could signify a prediction for his papacy, with parallels to Pope Leo the Great, who helped Rome during its downfall while preaching Christ crucified. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin recalled casting his ballot for his friend, Bob, who kept his head in his hands during the process. The cardinals celebrated the news, with stories from their interactions with the new pope before the conclave.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/09/us/pope-leo-american-cardinals.html