Japanese cardinal offers insights on why Pope Leo XIV was elected

“During the general congregations [before the conclave], many cardinals reflected on the importance of the leadership of Pope Francis, especially his courage and wisdom to lead the People of God,” said Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo.

“However, we all understood that we were not looking for a second Pope Francis, photocopy of Pope Francis, but a true successor to St Peter, who would faithfully guide the Church according to God’s will and responding to the trust given by Jesus,” he said.

“Many expressed that we need a pope who has deep experience and knowledge in both pastoral [work] and administration of the Church, with deep spirituality. Many expressed the need to have a pastoral-minded pope to continue in the footpath of Pope Francis and deepen the path of synodality,” Cardinal Kikuchi continued.

“Many expressed that we need a pope to run the Curia well with the mind of restructuring began by Pope Francis. Also, many expressed that we need a pope with deep spirituality and sound understanding of the faith to unite all in the Church. There were not so many cardinals among us who could be fit into this category and Cardinal Prevost was just the man to fulfil all these requirements.”

Cardinal Kikuchi told Crux that after some votes, it was clear for all cardinals in the conclave that Prevost “is the one who had already chosen by Jesus himself: We finally found him”.

“We do not yet know exactly what path Pope Leo XIV will take. He may lead differently than Pope Francis, but that is part of the Church’s journey. What matters most is that we pray every day for our new Holy Father, asking the Holy Spirit to bless, protect and guide him,” Cardinal Kikuchi said.

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Japanese cardinal explains why Pope Leo XIV was chosen in conclave (By Nirmala Carvalho/Crux)

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