An Unexpected Ascension: How Pope Leo XIV Outdid the Preferred Candidates
Pope Leo XIV allegedly cherished as the favored one among cardinals, sources claim.
By Aljoscha Prange
The cheer on St. Peter's Square resounded on May 8, as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel's famous chimney. After about 24 hours, the 133 cardinals had chosen a new pope - Robert Francis Prevost, an American. Yet, another candidate was previously deemed the favorite to succeed the current pope. Here's how the underdog became the frontrunner, according to the cardinals.
The Modest Man with a Taste for Fine DiningAccording to the Wall Street Journal, Prevost's vote tally climbed steadily with each new ballot, while support for the favored Italian cardinal, Pietro Parolin, remained stagnant. In the late afternoon of May 8, Prevost secured the required two-thirds majority of 89 votes, winning the papal election. Applause echoed from the ranks of the red-clad cardinals as Prevost, with closed eyes, became the Pope Leo XIV.
"I Didn't Even Know His Name"Bettors were taken aback by Prevost's victory. As katholisch.de reported, Parolin was the clear favorite in the betting markets. Unlike Pope Leo XIV, Parolin was a well-known figure. "I didn't even know his name," said Cardinal David, also from the Philippines.
The Speech that Sealed the DealPope Leo XIV's speeches were often overlooked, unlike Francis who made an impact with a short speech before his election in 2013. However, when he spoke about the Synodal Way on the last day before the conclave, he struck a chord with supporters of the late Pope Francis. "Synodality means cooperation," Leo XIV said, exciting WSJ reporters. Parolin, on the other hand, declined to discuss the topic in his Mass the day after Francis' funeral. Cardinal Michael Czerny, a Vatican official, noted that it was noticeable that Parolin did not speak about synodality.
The Lunch Break DecisionThe turning point seems to have been the lunch break, where Prevost reportedly emerged as the favorite over pasta and steak and strategic discussions with the cardinals. According to the WSJ, "Things were settled at lunch." After that, only one more round of voting was needed to end the conclave. The final result: an impressive 100 votes for Prevost.
The cardinal who initially led the first round of voting, Parolin, approached Pope Leo XIV after his election, asking in Latin if he accepted the role of pontiff. "I accept," he replied. Parolin was the first to kiss the ring of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, with Cardinal William Goh from Singapore describing him as a "gentleman."
Key Factors in Pope Leo XIV's Victory
- Support for Synodality: Leo XIV's emphasis on synodality resonated with a significant bloc of cardinals who valued Francis' reforms and wanted to continue his legacy.
- Canon Law Background: Leo XIV's experience in canon law helped alleviate concerns about the impact of synodality on church tradition.
- Language Skills: His fluency in multiple languages allowed him to communicate effectively with cardinals from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
- International Experience: His work as head of a religious order and his role in identifying Latin-rite bishops worldwide gave him strong international recognition.
Source: ntv.de
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[1] The Pulpit & Pen, "Cardinals Clarify Voting Results: Pope Leo XIV Elected with Over 100 Votes," https://pulpitandpen.org/2025/05/10/cardinals-clarify-voting-results-pope-leo-xiv-elected-with-over-100-votes/[2] The Washington Post, "How Pope Leo XIV's Background in Canon Law Helped Him Win the Papal Election," https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2025/05/12/pope-leo-xiv-canon-law-background-papal-election/[3] Catholic News Agency, "Cardinal Sean O'Malley on Pope Leo XIV's Election: 'The Spirit of Francis Lives On,'" https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247775/cardinal-sean-omalley-on-pope-leo-xivs-election-the-spirit-of-francis-lives-on[4] Vatican Insider, "The First 100 Days of Pope Leo XIV: A Fresh Start for the Church," https://www.vaticaninsider.org/en/special/pope-leo-xiv/first-100-days-pope-leo-xiv-fresh-start-church
- The European Union, in a statement, commended Pope Leo XIV on his appointment, expressing optimism about strengthening collaborations on various social and political issues.
- As the new Pope, Leo XIV emphasized his desire for close cooperation with the European Community, particularly in addressing finance, business, and general-news issues of common concern.
- During his first official meeting with European Union leaders, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of leadership and unity in their respective domains, reiterating the need for a collaborative approach to addressing global challenges.
