Caption: Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost from the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter’s Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8, 2025.
By Sue-Ann Wayow
PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar congratulated the Roman Catholic community on the selection of its new pope – Leo XIV.
She was speaking at the Red House during her first post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday evening
Persad-Bissessar said, “As we pray for his success and enriching stewardship of the Roman Catholic Church, we also congratulate him on a very historic occasion, of him becoming the first pope of American origin.”
Persad-Bissessar said the Roman Catholic Church has always played a pivotal role in the global community from human development to spiritual enlightenment.
Given his career of kindness, the prime minister said, she believed he will be an inspiration to all.
For the first time, the pope is a US citizen.
International media reported that crowds erupted in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican today (Thursday, May 7, 2025) as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney — the traditional signal that a new pope has been chosen. The bells of St Peter’s Basilica rang out as pilgrims from around the world waved flags and waited for the official announcement from the balcony.
Cardinal Robert Prevost born in raised in Chicago was named Pope Leo XIV.
The news was announced to the world by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti.
Waving to the crowd, the new pope’s first words were “Peace be with you.”
Prevost, 69 was chosen to be the new pope following the death of Pope Francis who passed away on April 21.
Pope Francis was also the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV is the 267th pope to lead the Roman Catholic Church in the 2,000 plus years of the Church’s existence.
And former prime minister Stuart Young posted on Facebook, “As a Roman Catholic, I celebrate with the Church on the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, as Pope Leo XIV. Congratulations Pope Leo XIV. May God continue to bless us all.”
