Kenyans join world in celebrating Pope Leo XIV

Speaker Wetang’ula congratulated the new Pope and wished him good health.

by PERPETUA ETYANG

News08 May 2025 - 20:59

In Summary

Prevost was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, where he was part of St Mary of the Assumption parish near Dolton, Illinois, per the Chicago Sun-Times.
His Midwestern roots, combined with decades spent abroad, have made him a figure who bridges cultural and geographic divides in the global Church.

Kenyans and leaders from across the country have celebrated the election of Robert Francis Prevost as the new Pope.

Prevost assumed the name Pope Leo XIV.

A total of 133 cardinals, all aged under 80, participated in the conclave to elect the Pope in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel.

Pope Leo XIV replaces Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025 after battling illness.

Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced the new Pope at St Peter’s Square as people applauded in joy.

“I announce to you a great joy; we have a Pope: The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord, Lord Robert Francis Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost who has taken the name Leo XIV,” he said.

US President Donald Trump said on his Truth social media: "Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honour to realise that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a great honour for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula congratulated the new Pope and wished him good health.

“Habemus Papam! Today marks the conclusion of the Papal Conclave with the election of a new Pontiff. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost the newly elected Pope,” he said.

“Cardinal Prevost will be the 276th Pope and will take the name Pope Leo XIV. May your papacy be filled with divine wisdom, unwavering peace, and God’s guiding hand.”

The speaker prayed for the new Pope’s health and strength as he shepherds the Church and inspires hope across the world.

X user Oluomachi Igwe said: “His real name is Robert Prevost! He has the same ideologies like Pope Francis. His first speech indicates that he wants to be close to those who suffer. Just like Pope Francis. He also sounds like a reformer and a progressive! God bless him!”

Jana Katsuyama said: “A look at the first Pope born in the USA. Robert Prevost, 69, becomes Pope Leo XIV. Spoke in Latin and message in Spanish noting his two decades serving in Peru where he became a Peruvian citizen. Called for "peace, charity."

Another user called M.C.A said: "Congratulations, His Holiness! 1st American Pope chosen by God. Cardinal Robert Prevost is now Pope. Has taken Pope Leo XIV. A reformer is just 69 years old. Am proud to be a Catholic. Long live His Holiness."

Prevost was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, where he was part of St Mary of the Assumption parish near Dolton, Illinois, per the Chicago Sun-Times.

His Midwestern roots, combined with decades spent abroad, have made him a figure who bridges cultural and geographic divides in the global Church.

Ordained in 1982, Prevost received a doctorate in canon law in Rome at the Pontifical College of St Thomas Aquinas.