Copied and translated from Aleteia
Just a few hours after the election of Leo XIV, Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, Archbishop of Algiers, shares why the College of Cardinals so quickly chose Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Peter’s successor. Interview.
A few hours after the election of Leo XIV, how do you feel?
We have a good pope—no, a very good pope! I’m extremely happy, as is the entire College of Cardinals. There was immense unanimity and immense joy. He has the full support of the College behind him. Now, forward we go!
The conclave was swift…
Swifter than you can imagine! I had no doubt, but it’s true that the Holy Spirit was at work. During the general congregations, differences were expressed, but very quickly the time for unity arrived. We were unanimous. It wasn’t a foregone conclusion, but I saw the planets align during the conclave, even without many words being exchanged. Today, I can truly say: we have a good pope—as one might say of bread, it is good!
What are Leo XIV’s qualities?
He is a man with an absolutely tremendous wealth of experience. He is a religious, a man who entered the Order of Saint Augustine at the age of 17. He was formed in community life. He was elected Prior General twice. He is a man who has been entrusted with everything, and who has seen it all. As a religious myself, I can see, looking at Cardinal Prevost’s journey, that he was the faithful soldier. He was asked to handle formation work, sent to Peru, later recalled to the United States, became a bishop in Peru, and was also tasked with overseeing a diocese that had serious difficulties. He was then appointed to the Roman Curia to head the Dicastery for Bishops… Everywhere he’s been, people speak well of him. But I think what really stands out is that everyone says he knows how to work as part of a team. He’s a man who knows how to make decisions—by working with others.
What was the atmosphere like in the Sistine Chapel when Cardinal Prevost received two-thirds of the vote?
There was evident joy, a deep emotional response. No hidden agendas—just profound joy among all the cardinals. It was remarkable. It all happened very quickly. It could have even concluded sooner.
Did you know him beforehand?
No, I didn’t know him. I met him during the general congregations. I knew he was someone of significance, someone you could genuinely consider as a real possibility. I arrived with one candidate in mind, but I remained open to all other profiles, trying to find someone even better. Before the conclave, several people asked me what I hoped for. I would reply, quite spontaneously, that I wanted to return to Algiers with the sense that we had given the Church a good pope. And that is exactly what has happened.
Leo XIV is the first pope from the United States. Did the fact that he is American play a role in your reflections?
I’ve no idea! It didn’t in mine! Because he’s a man who lived in South America, in Peru. He was also the superior general of a religious order. Now, a superior no longer belongs to himself—he goes out to meet the whole world. Of course, he has a nationality, but his identity is something other than national, especially when one is a religious.
What did you take away from his first address at the Loggia of St Peter’s Basilica?
I didn’t hear all of it because I was standing nearby. But I know he spoke of peace. He granted a plenary indulgence. And then he quoted that beautiful line from St Augustine: “With you I am a Christian, for you I am a bishop.” Wonderful!
Did you have dinner with him afterwards?
Yes, he dined with all of us, together. It was very simple—he is a very simple man, and that is something beautiful. The atmosphere was very joyful, very light-hearted—for everyone.
Did you expect such lightness during a conclave?
We often approach conclaves with a political analysis reflex. But it’s not politics. I am now convinced of that. On the evening of the election, everyone was at peace. In politics, there’s always a winner and a loser. That’s not the case here. Everyone is happy. He received an overwhelming majority and everyone is behind him.
Were you surprised by the name Leo XIV?
Very surprised, yes! I know very few parents who would name their child Leo! After the name Francis, which made a strong impression, I thought the next name would be less obvious, even old-fashioned… And then I heard the faithful in St Peter’s Square crying out “Leone! Leone!” It was incredible!
That name places him in the line of Leo XIII, the pope of the Church’s social doctrine…
Of course he had thought about it. You know, when entering a conclave, there are a number of papabili who have prepared themselves for the possibility. On that note, one thing moved me deeply: seeing those who could legitimately say to themselves, “Maybe I’ll be the next pope.” They had no choice but to prepare. That’s normal. Then the election takes place, and joy spreads everywhere. In what other setting does that happen?
For a Christian, is living through a conclave a moving experience?
This conclave was very peaceful. It’s a truly beautiful experience. The rite itself is very moving. The first day serves as a retreat, a time of prayer. There had been a lot of speech in the general congregations—we needed to pause, we needed time. The day after entering the conclave, we already knew who it would be. There was peace. We knew it would be resolved that day. We got the pope we needed: a simple, humble, peaceful man with a true papal profile. Honestly, I was worried that I might know the new pope too well, and that the emotion would be overwhelming. So there is a sense of relief.
From the balconies of St Peter’s Basilica, I was deeply moved to see the people of Rome gather so quickly in St Peter’s Square. There were so many of them. They didn’t know who he was, but they were already there, ready to accept him. That is the Church.