'We hope he inspires not only Catholics but all faiths': Filipinos in Australia welcome Pope Leo XIV

In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first US-born leader of the world's 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.

**NO LIBRI** Italy, Rome, Vatican, 2025/5/8.Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost appears at the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, . Robert Francis Prevost was on Thursday elected the first pope from the United States, the Vatican announced. A moderate who was close to Pope Francis and spent years as a missionary in Peru, he becomes the Catholic Church's 267th pontiff, taking the papal name Leo XIV. Photograph by ALESSIA GIULIANI / Catholic Press Photo (Photo by ALESSIA GIULIANI / ipa-agency.net/IPA/Sipa USA) Source: SIPA USA / ALESSIA GIULIANI / ipa-agency.net/Alessia GiulianiIPA/Sipa USA

Key Points

• Historic Election: Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American to assume the papacy, chosen after a notably brief conclave involving 133 cardinals.
• Global Significance: His appointment marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church, with many hopeful for fresh perspectives and modern reforms.
• Community Reactions: Filipino Catholics in Australia express optimism and pride, hoping the new pope’s leadership will be a source of inspiration, open to change, and willing to listen.

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'We hope he inspires not only Catholics but all faiths': Filipinos in Australia welcome Pope Leo XIV

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