The election of the first American Pope, following the first Latin American Pope, is for us grace upon grace. America holds a strong Catholic tradition and a vibrant community of faith. It is a power to be reckoned with not only geopolitically but spiritually and can now contribute anew to the re-evangelization of the world. I am profoundly joyful about this!
1. Were you surprised that none of those considered front runners were elected?
Not entirely. The Holy Spirit often moves through the unexpected. History teaches us that the papacy is not shaped by human calculations, but by divine purpose. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, may not have topped prediction lists, but he has always led hearts with humility, deep missionary roots, and a Christ-centered pastoral presence. His election reminds us that God sees deeper and further than we ever could.
2. What kind of Pope do you think he will be?
Pope Leo XIV carries the soul of a missionary, the tenderness of a pastor, and the clarity of a theologian. Having met him personally, I was moved by his Franciscan warmth though not a Franciscan himself his listening heart, and his gentle attentiveness toward the poor and wounded. Like Pope Francis, he walks with the lowly, not above them.
His deep love for Mary, the mother of God, and his commitment to unity in diversity make me confident that he will be a bridge-builder: between North and South, tradition and renewal, silence and prophecy. Under his care, I believe the Church will breathe with both lungs’ contemplative and active, rooted and reaching.
3. What do you think his policy will or should be toward Africa?
Africa is not just the future of the Church—it is its now. Pope Leo XIV’s missionary experience in Latin America has equipped him with a deep understanding of the joys and wounds of the Global South. I trust that he will prioritize listening to African voices, not merely speaking to them.
I hope his papacy will walk with us as:
A partner in peacebuilding and justice, wherever conflict and inequality persist.
A promoter of African vocations, cultures, and theological insights, affirming that Africa is not a mission field, but a missionary force.
A supporter of synodal inclusion, giving space to African youth, women, elders, and lay movements like our Peace Makers of Christo to shape the universal Church.
His policy must be one of accompaniment, not administration; recognition, not replacement.
To our newly elected Pope and the head of our Church you have my full prayerful support. May your papacy, Pope Leo XIV, usher in an age of communion, where mercy and mission, tradition and transformation, kneel together before Christ Crucified and Risen.
