Monrovia – In a historic moment reverberating from the Vatican to the streets of Monrovia, the Catholic Church in Liberia has joined millions around the globe in extending prayerful wishes to newly elected Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—the first American to ascend to the papacy.
By Jaheim T. [email protected]
The announcement of Pope Leo XIV’s election came Wednesday evening as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the successful conclusion of the conclave. The former missionary and bishop, who served extensively in Peru, became the 267th successor of St. Peter and the first pontiff from the United States.
Liberian Clergy Celebrates Milestone
Speaking on behalf of the Catholic faithful in Liberia, Archbishop Gabriel Blamo Jubwe of the Archdiocese of Monrovia expressed gratitude to God for what he called “a divine moment in the life of the Church.”
“We offer our heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, and call on the Holy Spirit to guide him as he shepherds the global Catholic family in these challenging times,” said Archbishop Jubwe. “We invoke the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary as he takes on the sacred responsibility of leading the Church.”
Weah, Trump Weigh In
Former Liberian President George M. Weah also extended warm congratulations. “The first citizen of the United States to hold this sacred office, Pope Leo XIV has exemplified unwavering service and dedication—qualities that render him deserving of this profound responsibility,” Weah said.
He expressed hope that the new pope’s leadership would promote Christian unity, compassion, and justice.
Across the Atlantic, former U.S. President Donald Trump reacted to the historic elevation with enthusiasm. “What excitement, and what a great honor. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment,” Trump stated.
‘A Church That Builds Bridges’
In his first public address before over 150,000 pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV signaled a pastoral and inclusive tone. “Together we must try to find out how to be a Church that builds bridges, establishes dialogue, and is open to receive everybody,” he declared, offering his blessing in multiple languages and paying homage to the people of Peru, where he served for decades.
Observers have noted Pope Leo XIV’s extensive international background and linguistic fluency—speaking Spanish, Italian, French, English, and Portuguese—as key assets for a globally interconnected Catholic Church.
Symbolism in a Name
By choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pope draws a symbolic connection to Pope Leo XIII, a pioneer of Catholic social teaching and advocate for workers’ rights in the late 19th century. Analysts suggest this may signal the new pope’s focus on justice, reform, and outreach to the marginalized.
Rapid Conclave, United Message
Vatican officials disclosed that the conclave required only four ballots—completed within a single day—highlighting what Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi called “a clear sign of unity” among the cardinals.
From humble beginnings as an altar boy in Chicago to a missionary in Latin America, Pope Leo XIV’s journey to the papacy is being hailed as a bridge between continents, cultures, and ideologies.
“Habemus Papam!”
As bells tolled and chants of “Viva il Papa!” echoed through St. Peter’s Square, the Church ushered in a new era under a pope shaped by both American dynamism and Latin American compassion. His election marks not only a shift in geographical representation but a fresh chapter in a Church facing urgent calls for renewal, transparency, and global solidarity.
Pope Leo XIV now steps into a role carrying immense spiritual, moral, and political weight—charged with leading over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide into a future shaped by dialogue, inclusiveness, and hope.
