The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has congratulated the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.
Otherwise known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, the new Pope was unveiled on May 8. He is the first American to become Pope in the history of the Catholic Church.
Welcoming the news, Speaker Bagbin wrote of Facebook, “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on your elevation to the head of the worldwide Catholic Church.”
“As the 267th pontiff (Pope Leo XIV), we pray with you daily to continually make the church a home for spiritual fulfilment and a global authority on justice, morality, human and environment dignity,” he posted on May 8.
Mr Bagbin also congratulated “all Catholics across the globe on this great feat. Again, our church has demonstrated a seamless transition of leadership through time tested traditions in a fast-changing world. May we continue to be a model for all evolving systems be they political, professional or business. Habemus Papam! Long Live the Church! Peace unto all humankind!”
Profile of Pope Leo XIV
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, has been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American to ascend to the papacy.
Early Life & Education
- Born: September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
- Heritage: French, Italian, and Spanish descent.
- Education:
- B.Sc. in Mathematics, Villanova University (1977).
- Master of Divinity, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago.
- Licentiate & Doctorate in Canon Law, Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome.
- Doctoral thesis: The role of the local prior in the Order of Saint Augustine.
Missionary & Pastoral Work
- Joined the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977; took solemn vows in 1981.
- Missionary in Peru (from 1985):
- Chancellor of the Prelature of Chulucanas.
- Director of formation for Augustinian aspirants.
- Held various leadership roles: prior, teacher, judicial vicar, and seminary professor.
- Appointed Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo in 2014.
- Consecrated as Bishop in December 2014.
Vatican Roles
- Appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops (2023).
- Elevated to Cardinal in 2023 by Pope Francis.
- Served as President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Papacy
- Elected Pope on May 8, 2025, after the death of Pope Francis.
- Took the name Pope Leo XIV, honoring Pope Leo XIII.
- First American Pope in Church history.
Personal Traits & Skills
- Dual citizen: USA and Peru.
- Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian.
- Known for:
- Deep ties to Latin America.
- Strong background in canon law and pastoral leadership.
- Emphasis on bridging tradition with global Church realities.
