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Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, the newly elected 267th Pontiff, who has taken the Papal name Leo XIV, is beginning his Papacy with firsthand knowledge of Africa. Unlike his predecessors, Pope Leo XIV has already been to Eastern, Western, Southern, Northern, and Central Africa in person. As he begins his Pontificate, he has been in Kenya at least six times and in neighbouring Tanzania more than five times.
Since the papal conclave elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on May 8, many have been watching intently for clues as to how Pope Leo XIV will follow or depart from the path set by his late predecessor. Observers have noted his choice of a traditional papal name and his decision to wear the red cape called a mozzetta at his first appearance on the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica — both signs of contrast with the maverick Pope Francis.
When the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, then Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, visited Kenya in December 2024, he reflected on the need to pay keen attention to the Word of God as “spirit and life” and the person of Jesus Christ as source of “true life” and foundation of the Church.