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Xavier Junior Faviana Azalde Castro was confirmed by Pope Leo XIV when he was the arch bishop of Chicaylo, Peru.

Nevertheless, the women who have worked closely with Prevost in recent years have praised his leadership style, ability to listen and respect for their opinions. In interviews with The Associated Press, they say they expect that as pope, Leo will continue to promote women in church governance positions, albeit with limits.

He will be known as Pope Leo XIV. Prevost, a missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, has been elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church. Prevost ...

Cardinal Robert Prevost of Peru is the new Pope. "Habemus Papam," said Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announcing the elevation of the 69-year-old American-born cardinal from the South American nation.

Standing on loggia of St. Peter’s basilica, newly elected Pope Leo XIV smiled, waved and appeared to hold back emotion May 8 as he introduced himself to the world as the 266th successor to St. Peter – the first American to hold that role. His first words: “Peace be with you!”

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has a Pennsylvania connection. He graduated from Villanova University. Leo XIV, previously known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, graduated from Villanova in 1977,