Vancouver’s Archbishop Michael Miller expresses surprise over the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope, the first American to hold the position.
Vancouver’s Catholic Archbishop, Michael Miller, recently voiced his surprise at the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the 267th pope. For many, including Miller, it was an unexpected choice, especially given the long-standing concerns that a pope should not come from one of the world’s most powerful countries.
A First for America
On Thursday, Cardinal Robert Prevost, originally from Chicago, became the first American to ascend to the papacy, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election marks a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church, as he is also only the second pope not from Europe, following Pope Francis, who was born in Argentina.
Archbishop Miller’s Reaction
Miller, who had anticipated the next pope to emerge from the list of prominent cardinals, expressed that the decision was “amazing” and a “wonderful testimony.” He praised the electors for moving beyond political considerations of America’s superpower status to choose what they believed was the best candidate for the role.
“I thought that being an American would be regarded negatively by a lot of the cardinal electors because of the particular superpower status the United States holds. But they didn’t consider that dimension at all,” Miller said, adding that Prevost “filled the bill” as the most qualified candidate.
A Pope with Global Experience
Prevost’s background is unique, with a long career spent in Peru, working as a missionary and later as the bishop of Chiclayo. His fluency in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese, allows him to connect with a broad array of global Catholics. His experience in Latin America, particularly with Indigenous peoples, is expected to help further the church’s ongoing reconciliation efforts with Canada’s First Nations.
Miller hopes that Prevost will continue Pope Francis’ work in this regard, given his extensive ties to Latin American communities. “I’m sure he will advance those initiatives,” Miller noted.
The Impact on Vancouver’s Catholic Community
Miller also acknowledged the strong hopes of Metro Vancouver’s Filipino Catholic community, who were rooting for Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from Manila, a prominent figure on many people’s papal shortlist. However, Miller reassured them that the church’s mission continues under Pope Leo XIV, and that all Catholics will support him, regardless of nationality.
The election of Prevost, Miller said, represents a “unifying” moment for the church, as the faithful rally behind their new pope. “We all pull together… and we’re happily behind the man chosen,” he affirmed.
Reactions to Pope Leo XIV’s Leadership
Prof. John Martens, a professor at St. Mark’s College, noted that the election of Prevost is surprising in part because he is relatively young for a pope. His appointment suggests that the church may be looking to avoid another long papacy like that of Pope John Paul II, who served for 26 years.
The pope’s remarks about “welcoming everybody” and “building bridges” further suggest a focus on reconciliation and outreach, aligning with his background in fostering dialogue, especially with marginalized communities.
A Cosmopolitan Pope for a Changing World
Prevost, described by Italian newspaper La Repubblica as “cosmopolitan and shy,” has already gained international recognition for his ability to bridge divides, making him an appealing figure to both conservatives and progressives within the church. His background and expertise in managing cross-cultural challenges make him uniquely positioned to guide the church through a rapidly changing global landscape.
Looking Ahead
As the Catholic world processes this unprecedented papal choice, there are high hopes for Pope Leo XIV’s leadership in addressing critical issues like reconciliation with Indigenous communities and global church unity. His unique background and diverse linguistic skills will undoubtedly shape his approach to global Catholicism.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for further updates on Pope Leo XIV’s journey and leadership in the Catholic Church.
