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Relatively quick selection of Pope Leo a good sign, says Archbishop of Kingston

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Archbishop Kenneth Richards, head of the Catholic Church in Jamaica
 
Head of the Catholic Church in Jamaica, Archbishop Kenneth Richards, says the selection of a new pope by the conclave within two days is a positive sign.
 
Cardinal Robert Prevost, who was born in Chicago in the US but spent many years in Peru where he is also a citizen, has chosen the name Leo XIV.
 
Speaking with Radio Jamaica News on Thursday afternoon, the Archbishop of Kingston said the relatively quick selection of Pope Leo signals unanimity and full support among the cardinals.
 
He believes the pope's choice for the name Leo may signal a leadership that will be characterised by emphasis on the social teachings of the Catholic Church and championed by his predecessor Pope Francis.
 
"At the centre of it, it means that this will be a listening church... listening to the word of God, listening to the spirit, but listening to each other. And Pope Francis gave a great emphasis with respect the listening to persons on the margins and journeying with each other," said the Archbishop.
 
Pope Leo, who is 69 years old, has spent most of his career as a missionary in Peru and became a cardinal only in 2023. He has given few media interviews and rarely speaks in public.
 
President Donald Trump swiftly congratulated him on becoming the first US Pope.
 
Leo XIV is the 267th Catholic Pope after the death last month of Pope Francis, who was the first Latin American Pope and had led the Church for 12 years.
 
 


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