Articles in this Cluster
09-05-2025
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Apu Ambo” David, newly appointed by Pope Francis and now one of three Filipinos voting in the papal conclave, embodies Francis’ people-centered legacy in the Philippines. A humble bishop from a poor Manila diocese, David became a prominent, risky critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s violent drug war, offering sanctuary and rehab to targeted residents and denouncing the killings as illegal and immoral. He faced threats and sedition charges (later dropped), but received personal encouragement and protection from Pope Francis.
The Philippines, a Catholic stronghold, remains vital to the Church yet faces challenges: political pushes for divorce and family planning, and competition from charismatic churches. The Church’s political influence has waned since its pivotal role in the 1986 People Power revolution and later alliances with leaders. While Francis boosted clergy morale and emphasized serving the poor, structural debates persist. David’s elevation signals support for clergy rooted in marginalized communities and may shape the conclave’s direction toward a more pastoral, socially engaged Church.
Entities: Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Pope Francis, Rodrigo Duterte, Philippines, Catholic Church • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
Robert Francis Prevost, 69, a Chicago-born Augustinian with Peruvian nationality and long missionary service in Peru, has been elected Pope Leo XIV—the first American pope and the second from the Americas. A former prefect overseeing bishops in Latin America, he is known for work with marginalized communities and alignment with Pope Francis on migrants, poverty, and the environment. He supports women’s roles in church governance and endorsed blessings for same-sex couples with local discernment. Choosing the name “Leo” signals a focus on social issues, echoing Leo XIII’s social justice legacy. Early attention will center on whether he continues Francis’s reforms amid scrutiny tied to broader Church abuse scandals, which his diocese denies involving him.
Entities: Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, Pope Francis, Chicago, Peru • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
On the second day of the 2025 papal conclave, black smoke rose again from the Sistine Chapel, indicating no pope had yet been elected after a third inconclusive vote. The 133 cardinal electors continue voting—two rounds each morning and afternoon—until a candidate secures two-thirds plus one (89 votes). Observers expected a decision within days to avoid signs of division in the Church. Large crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, with some attendees expressing patience and faith in the process. The article predates the later announcement signaled by white smoke that a new pope was ultimately chosen.
Entities: 2025 papal conclave, Sistine Chapel, Vatican, St. Peter’s Square, cardinal electors • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago-born prelate who also holds Peruvian citizenship, was elected pope by the College of Cardinals and took the name Leo XIV, becoming the first American to lead the Catholic Church. Formerly head of the Dicastery for Bishops and made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, he is viewed as a centrist: progressive on social outreach and inclusion but conservative on doctrine, including opposition to women deacons. The conclave concluded in under 24 hours, with white smoke signaling his election on the second day. In his first address from St. Peter’s Basilica, he emphasized peace, divine love, and continuity with Pope Francis’ blessing.
Entities: Cardinal Robert Prevost, Leo XIV, College of Cardinals, Catholic Church, Pope Francis • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
As the papal conclave selects a new pope, Rome’s traditional tailors prepare the official vestments in advance. Two historic shops near the Vatican—Raniero Mancinelli’s boutique and the six-generation Gammarelli family atelier—craft hand-stitched white cassocks in multiple sizes, along with the zucchetto and optional burgundy cape. Mancinelli, 86, has dressed three popes and hopes to add a fourth, while Gammarelli has served eight popes over 200 years and is now led by Alessia Gammarelli, the first female proprietor. Final confirmation of which tailor’s garments are chosen only comes when the new pope appears publicly.
Entities: Raniero Mancinelli, Gammarelli, Alessia Gammarelli, Vatican, papal conclave • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
Cardinal Robert Prevost, elected as Pope Leo XIV, chose a name rich in Catholic tradition that signals his intended direction. Papal names, while not governed by rules, often honor predecessors and convey priorities. “Leo” recalls Pope Leo I (the Great), famed for confronting Attila the Hun and shaping doctrine on Christ’s nature, and Leo XIII, author of Rerum Novarum, the foundational social encyclical on workers’ rights and capitalism—suggesting a focus on doctrinal clarity and social justice. Papal name choices have evolved from continuity with predecessors to expressing a papacy’s aims. The most common names include John, Benedict, Gregory, Clement, Leo, Innocent, and Pius. Some names, like Peter, are avoided out of respect for St. Peter.
Entities: Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost, Pope Leo I, Pope Leo XIII, Rerum Novarum • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
The Vatican signals the outcome of papal conclave votes with smoke from the Sistine Chapel: black means no pope has been chosen; white means a new pope has been elected. While cardinals have burned ballots since at least 1417, a chimney was added in the 18th century, and white smoke became the clear indicator in 1914 after rules required burning all election papers, producing visible white smoke. To avoid confusion seen in past conclaves, chemicals are now added to ensure distinct colors: potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur for black; potassium chlorate, lactose, and chloroform resin for white. Conclaves vary in length—some conclude within days, though historically they’ve ranged from 10 hours (1503) to nearly three years (1271).
Entities: Vatican, Sistine Chapel, papal conclave, cardinals, black smoke • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American pope. Born in 1955, he is also a Peruvian citizen and spent many years in Peru as an Augustinian missionary and seminary leader. Educated at Villanova and in Rome, he holds a doctorate in canon law and was made a cardinal in 2023. Prior to his election, he led the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops. Considered centrist—progressive on social issues like inclusion of marginalized groups but conservative on doctrine such as opposing women deacons—he has kept a low profile on contentious debates. Voting records show he has participated in both Democratic and Republican primaries and the 2024 general election; his social posts have at times criticized Trump-era immigration policies. His choice of the name Leo evokes Pope Leo I (“the Great”), signaling intellectual rigor and moral leadership. U.S. leaders across the political spectrum and Chicago’s mayor congratulated him.
Entities: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, Vatican Dicastery for Bishops, Chicago, Peru • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. A fluent Spanish and Italian speaker, he spent decades in Peru as a missionary and bishop and holds dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship. A member and former leader of the Augustinian order, he is known for calm, balanced leadership and was highly regarded by Pope Francis, who appointed him to oversee global bishop appointments. His election signals continuity with Francis’ reforms and focus on the poor and marginalized; his choice of the name “Leo” evokes Leo XIII’s advocacy for workers and social doctrine. Seen as a centrist unifier—progressive on issues like migration and poverty, moderate on doctrinal matters—he brings global experience, academic grounding in mathematics and canon law, and a personal touch that includes a love of tennis.
Entities: Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, Pope Francis, Augustinian Order, Chicago • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
CNN analysis reflects on the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, and its global and U.S. implications. Robert Prevost, a Chicago-born Augustinian who spent decades in Peru and rose under Pope Francis, was chosen despite long-held assumptions that an American would never lead the Church. His international background and commitment to the poor suggest continuity with Francis’s priorities more than a statement about U.S. politics. Still, his election coincides with a turbulent American moment under President Trump, inviting comparisons between political and spiritual American power and sparking debate at home, especially among conservatives who hoped for a shift from Francis’s stances on issues like migration and climate. Observers argue the cardinals chose Prevost for his qualifications and global experience, not his nationality, but his papacy may influence reflections on America’s values and role in the world.
Entities: Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost, Pope Francis, Catholic Church, United States • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: analyze
09-05-2025
Former President Joe Biden told CNN’s Dana Bash he’s pleased and proud that Pope Leo XIV has been elected, marking the first time an American has become pope.
Entities: Joe Biden, Dana Bash, CNN, Pope Leo XIV, American pope • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
CNN reports that an X account under the name of newly elected Pope Leo XIV (Robert Prevost) appears to have previously reposted content critical of Vice President JD Vance and former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, aligning with the stance of Pope Francis. The account, largely a collection of reposts rather than original posts, amplified articles criticizing mass deportations, the wrongful deportation case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and Vance’s comments about prioritizing care for Americans over migrants. It also shared a 2015 op-ed critical of Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and a 2016 piece criticizing Democrats’ abortion stance. CNN has not independently verified that the account is the pope’s, and the Vatican has not commented. The account’s followers surged after Prevost’s election. Trump said he was happy about the first American pope; the White House did not comment on the posts.
Entities: Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost, CNN, JD Vance, Donald Trump • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
CNN’s Fareed Zakaria says the election of American Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV sends an “elevated” message from Rome, signaling openness and bridge-building. Prevost, the first American pontiff, called for unity and paid tribute to Pope Francis in his inaugural address. The video sits within a broader news package but centers on Zakaria’s view that Rome’s choice reflects a strategic, outward-looking direction for the Church.
Entities: Fareed Zakaria, Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, Pope Francis, Rome • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: analyze
09-05-2025
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Augustinian from Chicago and former missionary-archbishop in Peru, was elected pope by the conclave and took the name Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American pope. Announced by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti after about 24 hours of voting, Leo XIV addressed crowds from St. Peter’s Basilica, emphasizing peace, dialogue, and bridge-building, speaking in Italian and Spanish. A close ally of the late Pope Francis—whom he succeeds and thanked—Prevost previously led the Vatican office overseeing global bishop appointments, giving him significant prominence ahead of the conclave.
Entities: Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, Catholic Church, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Pope Francis • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
Fox News reports that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and the 267th successor to St. Peter, after a swift conclave of four ballots. Crowds celebrated in St. Peter’s Square as white smoke signaled the decision. The article also offers Italian phrases to congratulate and pray for the new pope, including “Dio benedica il Papa” (God bless the pope), “Congratulazioni al nuovo Papa” (Congratulations to the new pope), and “Lunga vita al Papa” (Long live the pope).
Entities: Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Fox News, St. Peter’s Square, conclave • Tone: inform • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel on May 8, 2025, signaling the College of Cardinals has elected a new pope on the conclave’s second day. The pope’s name had not yet been announced at the time of reporting. Recent conclaves have also concluded quickly, with Pope Francis elected on the fifth ballot in 2013 and Pope Benedict XVI on the fourth in 2005. A new pope is chosen by a two-thirds majority of eligible cardinals under age 80; 133 of 252 cardinals voted in this conclave. After acceptance, the pope selects his papal name before the conclave concludes.
Entities: Sistine Chapel, College of Cardinals, pope, conclave, Pope Francis • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native and longtime Augustinian leader, was elected the 267th pope and took the name Leo XIV, becoming the first American pontiff. A close ally of Pope Francis, he previously served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and was made a cardinal in 2023. His ministry spans decades in Peru—where he became a citizen—leading seminaries, serving as archbishop of Chiclayo, and holding leadership roles in the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference. Known for alignment with Francis on the environment, outreach to the poor and migrants, and broadening the Church’s welcome, he was chosen on the conclave’s second day despite concerns some had about an American pope’s geopolitical implications.
Entities: Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Francis, Dicastery for Bishops, Chicago • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
World leaders congratulated Pope Leo XIV (Cardinal Robert Prevost), the first American pope, elected after a two-day conclave. U.S. President Donald Trump and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson celebrated the milestone, while Italy’s Giorgia Meloni praised his call for peace and continuity with Pope Francis. Leaders from Peru, Spain, France, Ukraine, the UK, Mexico, and Israel offered messages emphasizing peace, human rights, dialogue, and hopes for strengthened ties with the Holy See. Many highlighted the historic nature of the election and expressed expectations for the pope’s role in promoting reconciliation and global stability.
Entities: Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost, Donald Trump, Brandon Johnson, Giorgia Meloni • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago-born prelate and former missionary in Peru, has been elected the first American pope, taking the name Leo XIV. Chosen on the second day of the conclave by 133 cardinals requiring a two-thirds majority, his election was announced with “Habemus Papam” from St Peter’s Basilica. In his first address, he emphasized peace, a missionary and bridge-building Church open to dialogue and charity, greeted Peruvians in Spanish, and called for prayers for the Church and global peace. The conclave followed the death of Pope Francis on 21 April, with strict secrecy measures and the traditional white smoke signaling the decision.
Entities: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Leo XIV, Pope Francis, St Peter’s Basilica, Peru • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, will celebrate his first Mass as pontiff in the Sistine Chapel after a surprise visit to staff at his former residence. Elected in just four voting rounds—the first American pope—he chose a name last used in the 19th century. In his first address, he called for peace and a bridge-building, inclusive Church, and praised his predecessor who made him a cardinal two years ago. Seen as a compromise candidate with broad appeal due to years of missionary work in Peru, Leo’s social posts have previously challenged some Trump-era positions. His brothers said they helped him relax before the conclave by playing Wordle and Words with Friends and watching the film Conclave.
Entities: Pope Leo XIV, Sistine Chapel, Cardinal Robert Prevost, Chicago, Peru • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
Sky News outlines the key challenges facing newly elected Pope Leo XIV (US Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost). Top priorities include confronting clergy sexual abuse with stronger accountability and cooperation with civil authorities; addressing women’s roles as participation grows but ordination remains barred, amid large numbers of nuns leaving; navigating inclusion debates, especially LGBTQ+ blessings, while uniting conservative and progressive factions; adapting to Catholicism’s demographic shift toward the global south with broader representation; and tackling severe Vatican financial problems, including a tripled budget deficit and a pension shortfall up to €2bn. How he balances reform, unity, and fiscal stability will shape his papacy.
Entities: Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost, Sky News, Vatican, Catholic Church • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old American cardinal from Chicago, has been elected pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV—the first US leader of the Catholic Church. A former missionary and church leader in Peru, he was made cardinal in 2023 and headed the Vatican’s dicastery for bishops, where he advanced reforms including adding women to bishop-nomination votes. Aligned with Pope Francis on care for the poor, migrants, and the environment, he supports Communion for divorced and remarried Catholics and showed limited support for blessings of same-sex couples. Seen as a compromise candidate due to his international experience, he was elected on the conclave’s second day and greeted crowds by emphasizing peace, dialogue, bridge-building, and closeness to those who suffer, addressing Peruvians in Spanish.
Entities: Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost, Catholic Church, Vatican dicastery for bishops, Pope Francis • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
After Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV, a modest three-bedroom house in Dolton, Illinois—where he lived as a child—saw immediate buyer frenzy and was pulled from the market to reassess its value. Originally listed at $199,000 (and bought for $66,000 in 2024), the home quickly drew multiple offers above asking as the broker explored its papal connection, including possibly restoring its original layout. While celebrity ties can boost or depress property values, the average home price in Dolton is about $150,000, suggesting a notable “papal premium” could be in play.
Entities: Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost, Dolton, Illinois, New York Times, Chicago • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
Liberals and advocates for LGBTQ inclusion in the Catholic Church are cautiously optimistic about newly elected Pope Leo XIV, an American with limited public record on LGBTQ issues. While past remarks from 2012 criticizing positive portrayals of homosexuality raise concerns, supporters note the church and global context have changed since then. His Vatican experience under Pope Francis, reputation for being down-to-earth and decisive, and apparent embrace of synodality suggest he is unlikely to roll back recent openness, though he may not advance LGBTQ inclusion as proactively as Francis. His choice of the name Leo—evoking social justice priorities—may signal a focus on issues affecting the global poor rather than U.S. culture-war debates. Overall, many expect continuity without major reversals, urging a wait-and-see approach.
Entities: Pope Leo XIV, LGBTQ Catholics, Catholic Church, Pope Francis, Vatican • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, newly elected as Pope Leo XIV and the first U.S.-born pontiff, has Creole ancestry from New Orleans. Genealogist Jari C. Honora traced his maternal grandparents, Joseph Martinez and Louise Baquié—identified in historical records as Black or mulatto—from the city’s Seventh Ward to early 20th-century Chicago, where the pope’s mother, Mildred Martinez, was born. Records suggest Caribbean ties and Afro-Creole roots, reflecting the long history of Black Catholics and the culturally rich Creole community. While the family did not identify as Black, the revelation underscores America’s intertwined racial and cultural histories and highlights Louisiana Creoles’ contributions.
Entities: Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, New Orleans Seventh Ward, Jari C. Honora, Joseph Martinez • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
The election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, surprised many less for his profile—which “checked all the boxes”—than for overcoming a historic barrier: being American. Born and educated in the U.S. but long a missionary, pastor, and bishop in Peru, he led the Vatican office that helps choose bishops and ran the global Augustinian Order. Seen as aligned with Pope Francis’ vision of synodality and pastoral outreach, he reassured liberals while his theological depth and orderly leadership appealed to conservatives. At 69, he’s viewed as a continuity candidate likely to advance social justice priorities—migrants, the poor—without aggressively pushing doctrinal change on issues like women’s ordination, birth control, or LGBTQ status. His choice of the name Leo XIV nods to Catholic social teaching and signals ongoing commitment to Francis’ reforms, even as past remarks suggest traditional views on contentious moral questions. His swift acceptance indicates nationality mattered less to the 133 voting cardinals than global experience, governance ability, and a unifying, pastoral tone.
Entities: Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, The Vatican, Augustinian Order, Pope Francis • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
The article is a New York Times interactive news quiz for May 9, 2025, testing readers on current events and culture. Questions cover the election of a new pope and his chosen name, President Trump’s meeting with Canada’s new prime minister Mark Carney, India’s retaliatory strikes in a disputed region with Pakistan, a temporary air traffic control outage at a major U.S. airport, nationwide implementation of Real ID for domestic flights, Trump’s proposal to detain violent offenders at a specific prison, standout Met Gala looks (including André 3000’s accessory), a large object expected to fall to Earth, the Kentucky Derby winner, and a toymaker planning price hikes due to tariffs. The page invites readers to explore related NYT coverage across science, world events, technology, and culture.
Entities: The New York Times, Pope, Donald Trump, Mark Carney, India • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: entertain
09-05-2025
Villanova University erupted in celebration after its alumnus Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV. Prevost, a 1977 Villanova math graduate and former head of the Augustinian order, has maintained close ties to the school, earning an honorary degree in 2014 and engaging with students. On campus, bells rang, Mass was moved to a larger church, and faculty and students toasted the news. Villanova’s president praised the new pope’s humble, community-centered approach, reflecting Augustinian values that define the university.
Entities: Villanova University, Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, Augustinian order, The New York Times • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
09-05-2025
Survivor advocacy groups condemned the election of Pope Leo XIV (Robert Prevost), citing his past handling of clerical abuse cases. As an Augustinian leader in Chicago, Prevost left a priest accused of molestation and possessing child abuse images in his role; the order later paid a settlement and expelled the priest. Another priest with prior restrictions lived near a school under the order’s watch. In Peru, accusers say little was done after they reported abuse by two priests; church authorities later said evidence was insufficient. SNAP filed a complaint against Prevost in March under church norms for bishops who mishandle abuse. SNAP and SCSA called his election “gravely concerning” and “an insult,” urging zero tolerance and reparations. The Vatican maintains Prevost followed canonical norms and denies wrongdoing.
Entities: Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost, SNAP, SCSA, The Vatican • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: critique
