Chicago people are ecstatic as their own man Candinal Robert Prevost is now the new Pope

Pontiff Leo XIV earlier expressed his views against Trump's policy on immigration and deportation

- BY TN ASHOK

As America, especially the United States and Chicago celebrated the elect of an American pope, the newly elected pontiff Leo XIV, former Cardinal Robert Prevost, celebrated his first Mass at the Sistine Chapel, a day after being chosen on the second day of the conclave.

In his first homily, he urged cardinals to make themselves “small,” echoing the humble approach of predecessor Pope Francis. HIs predecessor Pope Paul Francis was also from American continent Argentina, who ushered in sweeping reforms in the papacy, giving red hats to as many as 70 countries out of the American and European continents to power to vote.

Simplicity and caring for the poor and weak and needy was the hallmark of his papacy. The new pope was also elected in the hope that he would continue the tradition. At 69, Pope Leo XIV has a long way to achieve his goals.

Leo, the first US-born pontiff, is a 69-year-old from Chicago and a leader with global experience. He spent much of his career in South America and holds dual citizenship in the US and Peru. He is expected to build on Francis’ reforms.

The selection defied conventional wisdom but could be a message to the White House. While President Donald Trump called the choice of a US pontiff a great honour, Leo appears to have reposted criticism of his administration in the past.

The archbishop of New York said he, like many Americans and Catholics from other countries, he didn’t initially predict Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago would become the new pope. “I knew of him, but I thought ~ eh, one of the peripheral guys,”