Luís Marin noted that Robert Prevost, elected as Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, had visited Fátima during his tenure as Prior General of the Augustinians from 2001 to 2013, visiting Portuguese Augustinian communities and becoming well-acquainted with the Sanctuary.
Leo XIV is recognized for his strong Marian spirituality, as reflected in his initial speech from St. Peter’s balcony, where he invoked the Virgin of Pompeii and the Hail Mary prayer.
His election coincided with the feast of Our Lady of Grace, the namesake of the Augustinian convent in Lisbon and the patroness of Prevost’s congregation.
“Our Lady of Grace is an Augustinian convent in Lisbon and an invocation unique to the Augustinians,” explained Luís Marin, also pointing out that Leo XIV’s election took place in May, traditionally known as the “Marian month.”
“He is the May Pope, the Pope of the Virgin Mary,” Marin summarized, expressing certainty that Leo XIV holds “Fátima in his heart.”
Prevost has been invited to preside over the October Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Fátima, and the bishop of Leiria-Fátima has expressed a wish to see him dressed in “white” at Cova da Iria.
The Portuguese Cardinal António Marto, bishop emeritus of Leiria-Fátima, told him during a greeting after his election acceptance at the conclave that the pilgrims in Fátima are anticipating his visit.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, aged 69, was elected Pope on Thursday after two days of conclave in Vatican City, assuming the name Leo XIV.
Born in Chicago, United States, the new Pope has Spanish ancestry and Peruvian nationality. He is a member of the Order of St. Augustine and was the bishop of Chiclayo (Peru) and Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
