Vox Pop | What are your thoughts on the new pope?

I am unfamiliar with the background of Pope Leo at this stage. I sincerely hope that his holiness will uphold and strengthen our Catholic values and Christian identity, thereby uplifting the spirits of all of us, particularly the next generation.

Rob Harris, Former News journalist and Sydney Morning Herald and The Age Europe correspondent

It really was one of the most incredible things to witness. I’m pinching myself now and I suspect I will be for a while to come. The world is clearly in a perilous place right now and needs leadership and hope. I think that’s why so many people were moved by it. Let’s hope Pope Leo XIV copes with that incredible burden.

Gail Jelliff, parishioner

He has spent years working as a priest in Peru, so I would imagine he would have a very good background in dealing with the people who aren’t rich in wealth. That’s a good start; he’s got a good inkling of what goes on with the poorer people in the world. He’s relatively young for a pope (69), so that’s good. They say he’s in the mould of Pope Francis in many ways; he’s a moderate clergyman, so that is good for the world, too. It’s historic because he’s the first American pope. His background as an Augustinian will hold him in good stead.

Elizabeth Holligan, St Anne’s College Catholic Identity leader

Our community at St Anne’s College and Catholics around the world celebrate today the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the Catholic Church’s next pope, taking on the name of Pope Leo XIV. Jesus Christ taught us to love one another, to respect the dignity of all and to be the voice for those who, for whatever reason, are unable to speak for themselves. Pope Leo XIV takes his name from Pope Leo XIII who, at the turn of the 20th century, challenged the world to address the ‘misery and wretchedness pressing so unjustly on the majority of the working class’, and ‘the enormous fortunes of some few individuals, and the utter poverty of the masses’. Pope Leo XIV challenges us today to demonstrate our love for each other through our charity extended to all. May God bless our new pope.

Anthony Brophy, Greater Shepparton City Council deputy mayor and devout Catholic

My initial thought was of surprise, that the election was so quick, that an American had been elected and that a cardinal under 70 years of age had ascended to the role. I have read a little about Robert Prevost and I am heartened that he appears to be the right pope to embrace the legacy and move forward with the late Pope Francis’ progressive agenda. Also taking the name Leo for his pontificate, a name we haven’t seen for over 120 years, is interesting. This may well be a pope of many firsts. Let’s hope so.

Anthony Butts, St Anne’s College principal

Pope Leo has a wonderful reputation of compassion through his missionary work with individuals from all levels of society, especially those in need. As a leader, he is known for his humility and wisdom, complemented by a warm and approachable demeanour. It is anticipated that he will effectively engage with the church’s diverse, international community and influence progressive and positive change. I am confident that his leadership style, which is grounded in compassion and unity, will gain respect. Not only within the Catholic Church, but also among people of various cultures and faiths worldwide.