Historic Election: Cardinal Prevost Becomes First U.S. Pope as Leo XIV
Gaza's Christian community welcomes Cardinal Robert Prevost's election as the first U.S. pope, anticipating continued support for the war-torn region. Prevost, who adopts the name Leo XIV, follows Pope Francis whose advocacy for Gaza was notable. Conflict continues in Gaza following a Hamas-Israel clash resulting in high casualties.
- Country:
- Egypt
In an unexpected shift, Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago ascended to the papacy, marking the historic election of the first U.S. pope, taking the name Leo XIV. The small Christian community in Gaza expressed hope that Pope Leo XIV would prioritize their conflict-ridden region, much like his predecessor, Pope Francis.
George Antone, head of the emergency committee at the Holy Family Church in Gaza, articulated the community's aspirations, calling for the new pope to view Gaza with the same compassion as Pope Francis did. The former pope was noted for his nightly calls to Gaza amidst the October 2023 conflict.
Conflict in Gaza erupted when Hamas attacked southern Israel, leading to significant loss of life and a strong military response from Israel. The Holy Family Church in Gaza, sheltering both Christians and Muslims, remains a vital community hub amid ongoing violence, as hopes rest on the new pontiff's support for peace.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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