The new Pope has been annouonced as Robert F Prevost from the United States

Who is Cardinal Robert Prevost?

>will follow up with further digs as I see them, but important to note this pope has been accused of downplaying pedophila

Association with Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV)

>During his time in Peru, Cardinal Prevost had interactions with the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV), a lay Catholic community later dissolved by the Vatican due to extensive allegations of sexual abuse, psychological manipulation, and financial misconduct . While there is no evidence directly linking Prevost to the abuses committed by SCV members, his association with the group during its period of misconduct has been a point of contention

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, has been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election on May 8, 2025, marks a historic moment as he becomes the first American-born pontiff in the Church's history .

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Early Life and Education

Prevost was raised in Dolton, a suburb of Chicago, in a devout Catholic family. He pursued higher education at Villanova University, earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics. He later obtained a master's degree in divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome .

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Religious Vocation and Missionary Work

In 1977, Prevost joined the Order of Saint Augustine and made his solemn vows in 1981. He was ordained a priest in 1982. His missionary journey began in 1985 when he was sent to Peru, where he served in various capacities, including chancellor, seminary rector, and judicial vicar. His commitment to the Peruvian community led him to become a naturalized Peruvian citizen in 2015 .

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Leadership Roles within the Church

Prevost's leadership qualities were recognized early on. He served as the prior general of the Augustinian order from 2001 to 2013. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, and he was later consecrated as its bishop. His tenure in Chiclayo was marked by pastoral outreach and administrative reforms .

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In 2023, he was appointed as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, positions that placed him at the heart of the Church's global leadership and governance. That same year, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals .

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Papal Election and Vision

Prevost's election as pope followed the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. The conclave, consisting of 133 cardinal electors, selected him after a relatively swift deliberation. His deep experience in both North and South America, along with his administrative acumen, contributed to his selection .

Cardinal Robert Prevost elected first American-born pope, takes name Pope Leo XIV

As Pope Leo XIV, he is expected to continue the Church's focus on social justice, inclusivity, and pastoral care, themes that were central to his predecessor's papacy. His background suggests a commitment to engaging with marginalized communities and addressing contemporary challenges facing the Church .

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Personal Attributes

Known for his humility and approachability, Pope Leo XIV is fluent in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese. His cross-cultural experiences and dedication to missionary work have shaped his pastoral approach, emphasizing listening and inclusivity .Reuters

His election represents a significant moment for the Catholic Church, reflecting its global nature and the evolving dynamics of its leadership.

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>Anything to be suspicious of this cardinal or the church division that he was associated with in history?

Cardinal Robert Prevost, recently elected as Pope Leo XIV, has not been personally implicated in any criminal or civil investigations related to abuse or corruption. However, his tenure as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and his prior roles in Peru have drawn scrutiny due to his administrative decisions and associations.Bishop Accountability

Administrative Oversight and Criticism

In 2023, while serving as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Cardinal Prevost faced criticism for not initiating investigations into certain abuse allegations. Reports indicate that alleged victims claimed their complaints were not adequately addressed during his leadership . This has raised concerns about his commitment to addressing abuse within the Church.The Pillar | Substack

Association with Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV)

During his time in Peru, Cardinal Prevost had interactions with the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV), a lay Catholic community later dissolved by the Vatican due to extensive allegations of sexual abuse, psychological manipulation, and financial misconduct . While there is no evidence directly linking Prevost to the abuses committed by SCV members, his association with the group during its period of misconduct has been a point of contention.Crux+2National Catholic Reporter+2Crux+2

Public Statements on Abuse

Cardinal Prevost has made public statements that have been perceived as downplaying the severity of clerical abuse. In a press conference, he described sexual abuse as "not meant to be the central topic of the synod," suggesting it should not be the focus of discussions . Such remarks have been criticized for lacking sensitivity towards abuse survivors and for not acknowledging the profound impact of such abuses on the Church's integrity.The Lamp Magazine

Conclusion

While Cardinal Prevost has not been directly accused of misconduct, his administrative decisions and associations have raised questions about his approach to handling abuse and corruption within the Church. These concerns are particularly significant given his new role as Pope Leo XIV, where transparency and accountability are paramount.