By Gerry Stevens, President of the Society of St Vincent de Paul in New Zealand.

It was wonderful to wake this morning and hear the news that there was white smoke at the Vatican overnight. We have a new Pope, Pope Leo XIV.

Once again, the College of Cardinals has taken us in a new direction, defying the pundits and electing the first American to be pope, 68-year-old Cardinal Robert Prevost. 

Born in Chicago, Cardinal Prevost has spent most of his ministry as a priest and bishop in Latin America where he had a critical role in serving the needs of the poor in the barrios of Peru and building up the local church. Two years ago, Pope Francis chose him to be Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Rome, a very influential body which advises the Pope in picking new bishops. He has also had time as the worldwide leader of the Augustinian Order.

Pope Leo XIV brings to his global role the heart of a missionary and broad experience in leadership and governance.

Our new Pope enjoyed the confidence of Pope Francis and shared his commitment to synodality. While he will no doubt bring his unique gifts and insights to the role of Pope, it is reassuring to think there will be continuity in the Church’s direction under his leadership.

The name a Pope chooses is often a signal as to their priorities. His predecessor Pope Leo XIII is known for his social teaching. Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum Novarum laid the groundwork for modern Catholic social teaching, heavily influencing the church to this day. It is said that Rerum Novarum was influenced by the writings of Frederic Ozanam, one of our Founders. We can expect the new Pope to provide leadership on social concerns.

The Pope has a daunting role, leading not just the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics but also offering moral leadership to the whole world. He takes up the role at a time when the world faces immense challenges on many fronts.

Let us pray for Pope Leo XIV as he steps into the shoes of the fisherman that he may be guided by the Holy Spirit in all that he does. 

As Vincentians let us be energised by the witness of his life serving the vulnerable and marginalised, and being a strong advocate on their behalf. 

May God bless our new Pope abundantly with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.