By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(May 9, 2025) – Filipino priests on Friday expressed belief that Pope Leo XIV or Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost will be a principled leader of the Catholic Church.
Earlier today, Pope Leo XIV was elected as the successor of Pope Francis, who died last month, after three rounds of voting in the conclave inside the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. He’s the first-ever pontiff from North America.
Fr. JD Zaldivar, formator and professor at San Carlos Seminary in Manila, said Pope Leo XIV’s leadership could reflect Pope Leo I and Pope Leo XIII.
“I can imagine Pope Leo XIV will be a firm teacher, a protector of the people, and an advocate for social justice,” said Zaldivar on One PH’s One Balita Pilipinas.
He furthered that he expects Pope Leo XIV to follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis based on his first public address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Nabanggit ni Pope Leo kagabi sa kanyang unang speech na gusto niyang ipagpatuloy ‘yung simbahan na sinundan. Simbahan na gumagawa ng tulay, simbahan na bukas para sa lahat at ito ay lakip na lakip sa diwa ni Pope Francis,” added Zaldivar.
Pope Leo XIV honored his predecessor for his lasting legacy: “Let us keep in our ears the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome and the world that day on the morning of Easter.”
Pope Francis was known for his progressive stances on critical issues, including support for the LGBTQ+ community and the role of women in the clergy.
Fr. Peter Casiño, who has met Pope Leo XIV, described the new leader of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church as quiet but could get the attention of everyone when he speaks.
“Para siyang lion kasi ‘yung lion, most of the time, tahimik lang. But if the lion roars, naaano (nabubuhay) talaga ‘yung buong forest. May impact talaga sa buong kinalalagyan ng lion,” said Casiño, who serves as prior of the Seminario San Agustin in Intramuros, Manila.
Pope Leo XIV has visited the Philippines multiple times as prior general of the Order of Saint Augustine, a position he held from 2001 to 2013.
(PM)
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