Vietnam congratulates newly-elected Pope Leo XIV
Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong on Saturday sent a message of congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on being elected as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, who is known as Pope Leo XIV, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the same day.
Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, becoming the first U.S. pope.
The new pope was born on September 14, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, in the midwestern U.S.
He is the first member of the Order of St. Augustine to assume this position and the second pope from the Americas after Pope Francis of Argentina.
Although born and raised in North America, the new pope spent two decades serving in Peru, where he became a bishop and acquired citizenship, making him a dual citizen of the U.S. and Peru.
According to The Daily Beast, Pope Leo XIV - born Robert Prevost - chose the papal name Leo to honor the legacy of Pope Leo XIII (18781903), who was well known for his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum.
That document laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching, defending workers' rights and condemning social injustice.
'Leo' in Latin means 'lion,' a symbol of strength and courage, often chosen by popes in times of crisis.
This name also reflects Pope Leo XIV's commitment to continuing the reform legacy of Pope Francis, emphasizing social justice and closeness to the poor.
The new pope shares many similarities with Pope Francis - who has been called 'the people's pope.'
Both have shown a deep concern for those on the margins of society and a strong commitment to serving the poor and migrants.
The Mass for the inauguration of Leo XIV will take place at St. Peter's Square on May 18.
The ceremony will begin with a solemn procession attended by cardinals, bishops, and clergy.
Pope Leo XIV's first general audience will be held on May 21.
He will then meet with senior members of the Vatican on May 24 to officially begin overseeing the Roman Curia.
Thanh Ha - Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre News
(2025/05/12-11:09)
Tuoi Tre
- 07/01 17:40 Vietnam launches national science, technology exchange platform
- 07/01 17:33 Ho Chi Minh City adds 26 daily metro trips
- 07/01 17:24 Pope Leo XIV wishes to strengthen Vietnam-Vatican relations
- 06/30 17:35 Ho Chi Minh City halts 4-wheel electric tourist car service from tomorrow
- 06/30 11:19 Lang Son becomes Vietnam's 4th UNESCO Global Geopark
- 06/30 11:13 Fierce debate erupts over challenging English test in Vietnam's national high school graduation exam
- 06/30 10:58 Vietnamese travelers stranded as flights delayed amid Middle East conflict
- 06/30 10:51 Dolphin spotted swimming in southern Vietnam river
- 06/27 18:03 In Ho Chi Minh City, a traffic jam means moving slower than a pedestrian for 30 minutes
- 06/27 17:55 Ho Chi Minh City to become promising tourism megacity after regional merger
- 06/27 17:44 Vietnamese legislature approves multiple incentives to attract investors in railway sector
- 06/26 18:13 Vietnamese exporters seek opportunities amid Middle East conflict
- 06/26 18:09 Surge in wide HRC steel imports from China alarms Vietnamese steel industry
- 06/25 18:21 Ho Chi Minh City's Ben Thanh Market to welcome new public square, green space by year-end
- 06/25 18:15 Free trade zone poised to significantly boost Da Nang's economy
- 06/25 18:02 Vietnam passes amendments to nationality law
- 06/24 18:10 Low-pressure area in East Vietnam Sea likely to strengthen into tropical depression
- 06/24 18:03 US businesses explore new investment opportunities in central Vietnam