When Robert Cardinal Prevost was announced the new Catholic pontiff, it came as a surprise to many but not to those had known his quest for social justice, pastoral charity and the love for the poor.

The Augustinian Friar (Priest), Pope Leo XIV has on more than eight times visited Kenya, criss-crossing Kisumu, Eldoret, Embu and Nairobi to assess the missionary works.

Drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIII, who reigned from 1878 to 1903, and who had a strong emphasis on workers’ rights and Catholic social doctrine, Leo XIV papacy could be based on social justice and love for all.

In line with his predecessor, the late Francis, on the direction of the church and on the process to foster a more inclusive global church, those who have interacted with Pope Leo XIV during his visits to Kenya say he is expected to lead as his own man.

“Leo is expected to lean more progressive on social issues like migration and poverty but fall more in line with moderates on moral issues of Catholic doctrine,” says Fr Augustine Juma, who is the current parish priest of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Baba Dogo Catholic church.

According to Fr Augustine, Prevost could have chosen the name Leo XIV as a successor of Leo XIII who is credited with social justice ‘the dignity of workers and the dignity of work’.

“You cannot manipulate people for your good. You cannot manipulate situations for your benefit. You can see what the capitalists and the socialists are doing. That was the foundation of our social justice. Pope Leo XIV has taken up from there.”

Fr Augustine further opines that Pope Leo XIV is a moderate conservative and a compendium of the three last pontiffs –Popes Paul II, Benedict and Francis respectively.

Doctrinal clarity

The central theme during the Papacy of Paul II was the sense of faith, during the reigns of Benedict XVI was the reason for the faith while during Francis tenure showing love and mercy.

“Pope Leo XIV is a great listener and encompasses all his three predecessors views about the church. He combines the three themes of sense of faith, reason for the faith, love and mercy. When it comes to morals and faith, he is firm and clear,” Fr Augustine opines.

Fr Augustine further describes the Holy Father as a person who is passionate about pastoral charity, Ecclesiastical outreach and a firm believer of Doctrinal clarity.

During his last visit, which lasted only 24 hours, the then Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost emphasised the importance of the Word of God and the need for the faithful to remain in His presence.

“Christ is the door through, which we all pass to find salvation; the door of the Church is open so that everyone can find a place, be welcome, and become part of this great community. We must learn to open the doors of our hearts in love,” he told a congregation during the he dedication of the chapel of Our Lady of Good Counsel at the Augustinian Monastery in Karen.

A Doctor of the Canon Law, Cardinal Prevost is considered an overall centrist in his ideologies and is more progressive when it comes to social issues and champions the poor and migrants.

“The cardinals wanted someone who is doctrinally firm, someone who can communicate well and be understood so that when you speak the truth, you speak the truth to power and that is what Prevost brings on board,” says Fr Augustine.

He further describes the pontiff as a person who has been in all flanks of the world, adding that Pope Leo XIV is person who does not fear.

Short notice

In Kisumu for instance, he visited St Monica Catholic parish in Nyamasaria, St Joseph Kapimiet in Eldoret Diocese, Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Embu Diocese and Sacred Heart of Jesus Baba Dogo Catholic church –Archdiocese of Nairobi.

Apart from that, early this year in February, the then Robert Cardinal Bishop working on a tight schedule, visited St Augustine Friary where he consecrated a Chapel for the Priests and those still in the formation to priesthood in Karen along Bogani Road.

According to Fr Augustine, Robert Cardinal Prevost had to leave other Bishops in Rome to come and consecrate the Chapel- a visit that took less than 24 hours in the country.

“He is someone so passionate about development and missionary work in developing countries. He has been instrumental in the formation of future of not only Augustinian Priests but the growth of the church,” Fr Augustine emphasises.

Before his elevation to bishop hood, Fr Prevost was the Prior General of the Order of St Augustine (OSA) a position he held for 12 years.

During this time, he visited various countries where Augustinian missionaries work across the globe. After his tenure as Prior General ended, he was posted to Peru and in less than one year, he was ordained a Bishop.

On January 30, 2023, the late Pope Francis called him to Rome as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, promoting him to the rank of Archbishop.

Before his elevation to Papacy, Robert Cardinal Prevost was the Prefect for Dicastery of Bishops.

A Dicastery is at the level of a Ministry where he was in charge of the spiritual life, affairs of the Bishops, Archbishops and Cardinals across the globe and their welfare.

On Thursday, the new pope appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and delivered a short speech. His opening words were “Peace be with all of you!”