Catholic leaders in Belgium have welcomed the election of US cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the world’s new Pope, highlighting his moderate stance, comprehensive understanding of the workings of the Vatican and his experience in different parts of the world.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost (69) was elected as the first Pope from the United States on Thursday evening.
A member of the Order of St Augustine, he was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, which accelerated his rise within the Vatican. Before his election, he held positions in seven Vatican dicasteries - equivalent to ministries - and was notably the head of the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, advising his predecessor on clerical appointments.
‘The least American of the Americans’
Pope Francis had a close relationship with Prevost, who is often described as discreet and reserved. The new pope has spent years focusing on the so-called peripheries, the remote or neglected areas often overlooked by the Church, and spent a total of 20 years in Peru, where he served as a missionary and later as Bishop of Chiclayo.
Within the Vatican, Prevost has a reputation as a moderate figure capable of reconciling diverse viewpoints. Vatican watchers had highlighted him as a favourite prior to the conclave, with his field experience, global perspective, and ability to navigate Vatican bureaucracy working to his advantage. A significant departure from Francis’s policies is not anticipated.
The Italian newspaper La Repubblica characterised Prevost as “the least American of Americans” due to his moderate tone. His in-depth knowledge of canon law also reassured conservative cardinals who desired a stronger focus on theology.
'A pope focused on peace and the poor'
Archbishop Luc Terlinden anticipates that Leo XIV will follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis, stating that the new pope will work towards world peace.
In his first address, Prevost spoke about peace multiple times, indicating that he will be a pope focused on peace and the poor, according to Terlinden. He also believes Prevost will build bridges between people.
His election, at the age of 69, brings a relatively young pope to the Vatican. "I think that's good," Terlinden commented, noting that Prevost is "a man of our time."
"I was pleased," the Belgian Archbishop said, on hearing Prevost's name." He is the right man in the right place."
'Thanksgiving services for Pope Leo V's election
The archbishop has already met the new pope several times, including during Pope Francis's visit to Belgium last year. Terlinden described him as a humble, friendly man, easy to connect with.
In a separate statement from the Belgian Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Terlinden expressed his happiness with the conclave's decision. Speaking on behalf of the Catholic Church in Belgium, he congratulated Pope Leo XIV and wished him well in his new role. "We look forward to embarking on this journey with him," the statement read.
Thanksgiving services will be held in all Belgian dioceses in the coming days to celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV. One such service will take place at St. Rumbold's Cathedral in Mechelen at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, 11 May. Another will be held at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels at 7 p.m. on Monday, 12 May, led by Archbishop Terlinden.
Dates for services in other cathedrals will be announced later.
A bridge between countries and churches …
For church jurist Rik Torfs, Prevost’s election means the Catholic Church is now led by "a man who can bridge different countries and churches."
"His experience as a missionary, his work in Peru, and his Curia experience enable him to connect East and West, or at least various countries and churches," Torfs said on VTM News, noting Prevost's extensive contacts.
Torfs remarked that it is "remarkable" for someone from the United States to be elected pope at a time when the U.S., under President Donald Trump, is making "some peculiar political decisions."
Prevost's choice of the papal name Leo XIV hints at a social agenda, reminiscent of Pope Leo XIII, who developed Catholic social teaching through the encyclical Rerum Novarum. "In some ways, he could serve as a counterbalance to Trump’s capitalist policies," Torfs suggested.
As a US national, Prevost is also a native English speaker. "We haven't seen this often before," Torfs observed, adding that this linguistic skill could benefit global politics.
… and between past and future
Torfs described Prevost's previously neutral stance on sensitive issues such as same-sex marriage as almost a prerequisite for becoming a cardinal. "Often you are elevated to cardinal for not making too many waves; a cautious approach is always appreciated," Torfs explained, adding, "Time will tell what he really thinks."
Former Bishop of Ghent Luc Van Looy and current Bishop of Antwerp Johan Bonny also expressed their satisfaction with the new Pope in an interview with VRT NWS.
Van Looy described Prevost as a "bridge builder between the past and the future." He believes the choice is excellent, noting that Prevost allowed women to have a say in the appointment of bishops while he was in charge of such appointments in Rome.
Van Looy also claimed that Prevost wanted to address issues like paedophilia but was restrained by Pope Francis.
Bonny, too, is pleased with the selection of Leo XIV as Pope. He described Leo XIV as not a grand, charismatic figure but someone who takes matters seriously.
