Spanish
SANTO DOMINGO. – The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, expressed his joy and hope this Thursday after the election of the American cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new Pope of the Catholic Church, who adopted the name of Leo XIV.
“The Dominican Republic welcomes with joy and hope the election of His Holiness Leo XIV as the new Pope. We extend our prayers for his pastoral mission and his leadership in favor of global concord and solidarity,” shared the president on his social media.
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Leo XIV, 69 years old and born in Chicago, becomes the first American pontiff in the history of the Church. His election took place this May 8, after the fourth vote of the conclave held in the Vatican, and was announced by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
Prevost has a long pastoral career in Latin America, especially in Peru, where he served as bishop of Chiclayo for over a decade. His experience and commitment to Latin American communities have been highlighted as key elements in his election.
In his first message as Supreme Pontiff, Leo XIV called for peace, inclusion, and justice, paying tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21st. The new Pope also emotionally greeted in Spanish his former Peruvian diocese, reflecting his closeness to the Spanish-speaking world.
