Before the conclave, Pope Leo hinted at his election. A five-word clue in a phone call foreshadowed his papacy.
Pope Leo XIV’s election has stunned the world, as Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, was selected as the 267th pope in history on May 8.
Following the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, all eyes were on the Vatican for the announcement of the new Bishop of Rome.
The decision was made swiftly, with less than 24 hours of voting among the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Prevost emerged as the successor.
However, before the conclave, something remarkable happened – Pope Leo gave a subtle hint that he would be elected.
Pope Leo predicted his election result with five-word hint in phone call before conclave
In an unexpected revelation, Pope Leo’s older brother, John Prevost, shared details of a phone conversation he had with his sibling the night before the conclave began.
John revealed that during the call, his brother, then Cardinal Prevost, asked him, “What should my name be?”
This seemingly innocent question, when reflected upon, turned out to be quite prophetic.
The two brothers casually discussed various names, with John even warning his brother not to choose “Leo” due to its association with the number 13.
However, Cardinal Prevost seemed to have done his homework, pointing out that it would be Pope Leo XIV, not XIII.
“We started rattling off names just to rattle off names. I told him it shouldn’t be Leo because it will be the 13th,” John continued.
“But he must’ve done some research to see it’s actually the 14th.”
This phone call is now seen as an uncanny moment of foreknowledge, with the soon-to-be pope hinting at his papal name, a key aspect of the election process.
John didn’t grasp the call’s meaning then, but was later astounded by the announcement.
“Not really an idea that it could happen, but there was a chance, an inkling.
“But I really was just as surprised as everyone when they said his name.”
Pope Leo XIV is the first American Pope.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Prevost becomes the first American pope in history.
Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo is the first pontiff to hail from the United States, a country that had never produced a pope before.
His selection signifies not just a personal achievement but also a shift in the Church’s global leadership.
In his new role, Pope Leo follows in the footsteps of Pope Francis, who was beloved for his focus on compassion, outreach, and social justice.
Like his predecessor, Pope Leo has been a vocal advocate for marginalized groups, including migrants and the poor.
Pope Leo XIV has openly criticized some political figures.
He specifically called out Donald Trump’s policies detrimental to Church teachings.
Pope Leo XIV’s name has a deep significance
Choosing the name Leo was a deliberate and meaningful decision for Pope Leo XIV.
The name Leo carries a rich legacy within the Church, with six previous popes adopting it.
The last pontiff to bear the name was Leo XIII, who served from 1878 to 1903 and was instrumental in shaping Catholic social doctrine.
Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum Novarum is considered one of the foundational texts on Catholic social teaching.
Leo XIV’s name choice suggests a focus on social justice and global outreach, like Leo XIII.
Scholars believe the papal name symbolizes doctrinal clarity and strong leadership.
This is especially important now, as the world faces political instability, climate change, and economic inequality.
Pope Leo holds moderate political views.
Pope Leo XIV’s election also raises hopes for a moderate and inclusive papacy.
He is known for his moderate views, particularly when it comes to the 21st-century challenges facing the Catholic Church.
Like Francis, he values social equity, the poor’s dignity, and migrant acceptance.
As cardinal, Leo promoted peace and interfaith dialogue. Many expect him to continue this work as pope.
Moreover, Pope Leo XIV’s moderate approach may help bridge divides within the Church.
He’ll likely balance tradition, modernity, and inclusivity while leading the diverse global Church.