WP told how Leo XIV became the new Pope

Robert Francis Prevost, who became the first pope from the United States and took the name Leo XIV, has always been a stronger candidate than many outside the Vatican believed, writes The Washington Post, citing a senior Vatican official.

At the same time, many considered Cardinal Pietro Parolin to be a favorite.

Leo XIV, a close ally of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, quickly became a favorite of an influential group of Latin American cardinals, especially those who sought to continue the legacy of the deceased pontiff.

"The Provost, unknown to many, enjoyed the favor of most of the cardinals who came from abroad, to whom he was known," the source said.

Even before the conclave began, many in The Vatican considered Prevost to be the successor of Francis, the article says.

"I don't remember Prevost making any specific statement to the parishioners. But he participated quite effectively in small group conversations," said Cardinal Wilton Daniel Gregory. He is endearing to himself, quotes Cardinal WP.

"I think the impact of the fact that he was an American was almost insignificant in the discussions of the conclave, as surprising as it is for me," said Cardinal Robert Walter McElroy, Archbishop of Washington.

In many ways, Prevost simply wasn't considered an American.

"Robert Francis Prevost was a missionary bishop who fully dedicated himself to the flock and played an important role in the church of his new country of Peru. In fact, he became a citizen of Peru," explained Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny.

Parolin, on the other hand, although an experienced diplomat, had never served as a pastor, and some cardinals were concerned about his ability to communicate with parishioners. For example, at a mass for 200 thousand Catholics the day after the funeral of Francis, Parolin simply read his sermon according to the script. A senior Vatican official believes that he could have been hindered by his "excessive persistence" in his desire to get this position.

"He (Prevost) was a missionary pastor. I think they wanted a pastor, someone who was a pastor," said Chicago Cardinal Blaze Joseph Cupich.

Another reason is the Vatican's budget deficit. This led to a clash between Francis and the heads of the dicasteries of the Holy See shortly before his hospitalization in February with bilateral pneumonia, two officials said. Leo XIV was considered a good manager.

"I think the issue of the financial stability of the Holy See worried people," Cupich said.

According to him, Prevost "was smart enough to find the right people who could help."