Vatican City: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old who began his life of service as an ordinary missionary in the Augustinian religious order, is from today onwards at the helm of the Catholic Church. He has been appointed as the Vicar of Christ, the head of the global Catholic Church, the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese, and the head of the Vatican City State.

Born in Chicago, USA, Robert Francis Prevost spent a long time engaged in missionary work in Peru, Latin America. His life with the poor and marginalized there brought new light to spirituality. It can be said without a doubt that it is the intervention of the Holy Spirit guiding the Church that has brought him to this great responsibility. Therefore, it is not appropriate to compare him with anyone else.

Born in Chicago, USA in 1955, Prevost was ordained a priest from the Augustinian religious order in 1982. Subsequently, his missionary work among the poor in Peru deepened his perspectives.

Regardless of the new Pope's nationality or the language he speaks, he will be able to speak in the language of Christ and uphold the authentic teachings of the Church. After being elected Pope, he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and shared his first message with the gathered faithful and people around the world. The words "fearless life," "unity," and "peace" were prominent in his initial message.

"Without fear, together, hand in hand with God and with each other, we will move forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, the world needs his light. He is needed by humanity as a bridge to reach God and His love. You must help us build bridges through dialogue and encounter, so that we can all always be one people in peace," Pope Leo XIV appealed in his first message.

We can hope that Leo XIV, the first American to reach the helm of the Catholic Church with the strength of missionary work and commitment to the common people, will spread the light of hope and peace to the world.