Robert Francis Prevost is the new Pope. Shortly after the announcement we asked for a comment on his election to Stefania Falasca, Vaticanist, writer, postulator of John Paul I.
He is the first North American Pope: what does Trumpian mean in Trumpian times?
They are certainly not the birthplace in the United States they have to interest, I don’t think it was elected for this, but rather for his work all over the world. And his program seemed already clear from the first words.
A message with decisive words …
Bridges and peace: these are the two fundamental words. In the historical moment we are experiencing, of wars and conflicts, referring to peace is a call to the mission and figure of the pontiff: “Pons” and “Farcere” wants to say “Building bridges”. This is what a pope has to do and the fact of underlining it is very important.
The choice of the name Leone and being Augustinian?
I don’t know the reason for the choice but it struck me. I would rather expect the name of an apostle, like Giovanni, the favorite. I challenge anyone to think of a lion. We remind you that the last Pope Leone was that of Rerum novarumof the social doctrine of the Church, so there is a link with his being for a long time in Peru dealing with migrants and all social issues. However, it takes the name of a pope who did not make the council. Then I don’t know if it refers to this lion or another, it is certainly the successor of Leo XIII. The fact of being Augustinian is an important value. After a Jesuit, here is another pope who belongs to a religious order.
And will it be in Francesco’s furrow?
This seems to me to have already said it. Also because it is not a question of continuity: it could not be otherwise.
A surprising election, as well as for the name, also for the timing …
The white smoke after the fourth ballot was a surprise, also because the cardinals were many and many did not know each other. Furthermore, Prevost was certainly not in pole position among the candidates. I think we wanted to give a strong signal of the unity of the Church, disappearing the media predictions. In addition, everything happened in a very important date: today we remember the Madonna of Pompeii.
As a postulator of John Paul I don’t remember something about him?
I also launched myself in this comparison when I felt it was the fourth vote. By deformation I immediately went with the mind to the election of Pope Luciani and what he had said. But still we will see.
