New Mexico
New Mexico celebrates selection of first US Pope Leo XIV
Experts on the significance of the new pope choosing the name Leo XIV
Experts say a papal name can give you clues about the new pontiff’s values and priorities. What does choosing Leo XIV tell them?
- American-born Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was selected as the new pontiff on May 8, succeeding Pope Francis.
- New Mexico religious and political leaders expressed support and hope for the new pope’s leadership.
- Prevost, 69, served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
- The new pope was born in Chicago before moving to Peru and serving as Bishop of Chiclayo.
Following the May 8 selection of American-born pontiff Cardinal Robert Prevost, some New Mexico church and political leaders voiced support of the selection.
The 69-year-old will go by the name Leo XIV. He succeeds Pope Francis, who died April 21 at the age of 88.
“With deep gratitude to the Holy Spirit and the College of Cardinals, we welcome our new pope, Leo XIV,” Reverend John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe, said in a news release.
“This is a sacred and historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, and we rejoice in the guidance of our new spiritual leader. I invite all the faithful of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe to join me in prayer for our Holy Father, that he may be blessed with wisdom, strength, and compassion as he begins his papal ministry. May the light of Christ guide him as he shepherds the People of God into a future filled with faith, unity, and peace.”
New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque) also released a statement from Santa Fe.
“This is a joyful and hopeful moment for Catholics and for people of faith around the world,” Martinez said. “At a time when the politics of fear, hatred, and blind nationalism are all too common, our faith teaches us to welcome the stranger and care for the poor. Always.
“May he continue in the footsteps of Pope Francis, who led our church with integrity, a commitment to justice, and compassion for all, including the poor, immigrants, and the incarcerated.”
Prevost was born in Chicago before moving to Peru. He served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops (formerly known as the Congregation for Bishops) and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America since 2023. He also served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023.
“The Republican Party of New Mexico congratulates Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the first American pope,” Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Amy Barela said in a statement. “We join with the Catholic community in New Mexico in celebrating this milestone and extend our heartfelt prayers for his success in leading the Church in faith and unity.”