The President of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP), D. José Ornelas, expressed his satisfaction on Friday regarding the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new Pope. D. José Ornelas highlighted his friendship with the newly elected pope, stating, “We had some common paths when I was the Superior General and he was too… We have maintained a friendship since that time,” he mentioned in statements to TVI, adding that he holds great “esteem” for him.
D. José Ornelas admitted to being “very happy,” emphasizing that Pope Leo XIV could continue the legacy left by Pope Francis while deepening specific topics. “He is a discreet man, not as extroverted as Pope Francis, but their feelings are very similar. He is very sensitive, very attuned to problems, a man of great understanding and humanity, as becomes evident in dialogue with him, and he is a very intelligent and prepared man,” he pointed out.
“He is the man the Church needed. I am very satisfied,” he added.
D. José Ornelas also disclosed that, as a cardinal, Robert Francis Prevost had accepted an invitation to preside over a pilgrimage to Fátima, an event he still hopes “can take place.” “If he doesn’t come in red, let him come in white,” he joked, noting that there will be “an opportunity” to “discuss this” and that the new Pope’s schedule “is what matters.”
Yesterday, the CEP issued a statement acknowledging Pope Leo XIV as a builder of bridges for peace and justice, expressing wishes for the continuation of the synodal path alongside migrants, the poor, and the marginalized.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, was elected Pope yesterday after two days of conclave in Vatican City and has taken the name Leo XIV. Born in Chicago, USA, the new Pope has Spanish ancestry and Peruvian nationality, and he belongs to the Order of Saint Augustine.
Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
The Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP) emphasized today that Pope Leo XIV will be a builder of bridges for peace and justice, hoping for the continuation of the synodal path alongside migrants, the poor, and the marginalized.
