The Cook Islands joins the rest of the world in celebrating the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, whose election after only two days of conclave voting on Thursday marks one of the shortest conclaves in history.

The 69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost, who was elected the 267^th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday and took the name Pope Leo XIV, is the first pope from the United States.

The decision from the 133 voting cardinals arrived in a plume of white smoke at the end of their second day of voting, to the joy of its 1.406 billion members.

For Catholics in the Cook Islands, the election of a new pope brings with it expectations of continuity and renewal.

Ninety-one-year-old Betty Bailey, the eldest parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish in Matavera, said she was pleased to see the election for the new pope was short – taking only two days.

“I’m happy to see it’s done. It’s nice to have a new Pope and I’m sure he will do well,” said Bailey.

Cook Islands Catholic Diocese Bishop Reynaldo Getalado MSP said each pope brings his own background, pastoral priorities and leadership style, which can influence the Church’s direction in theology, global diplomacy and social issues.

“With deep reverence and renewed hope, we welcome the election of our new Holy Father. We pray that the Holy Spirit may continue to inspire and strengthen him as he leads the global Catholic community in truth and charity. May his pontificate bring unity, spiritual renewal, and a renewed witness to Christ’s message in our time,” Bishop Reynaldo said.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown also extended his heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.

“I share with our Catholic community here at home, and with Catholic faithful around the world, the joy of this sacred occasion. Pope Leo XIV’s call for peace to enter our hearts and homes is one that resonates deeply across our nation,” Brown said in a statement.

“We offer our prayers for the Holy Father as he begins his mission, and we give thanks for the legacy of Pope Francis, whose leadership inspired unity, compassion, and care for creation.

“May the message of faith, humility and peace continue to guide our communities in the Cook Islands and beyond.

“Te pumaana nei te ngakau no te akapapu'anga mai ia Pope Leo XIV. Kia maeva kapiti tatou e te akonoanga katorika no teia karere mataora. Kia akameitaki ia tatou ia te Atua. God bless the Cook Islands.”

Pope Leo XIV, who is also the first pontiff from the Order of St. Augustine and the first from North America, was elected following the death and funeral of Pope Francis last month.

Born in Chicago, United States in 1955, he holds dual citizenship with Peru. He served as a bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. He earned advanced degrees in canon law.

According to reports, Pope Leo XIV is known for his centrist views, emphasising unity, synodality and social justice. In his first address, he called for peace and unity, aiming to bridge ideological divides within the church.

His choice of the name Leo XIV pays homage to Pope Leo XIII, a champion of worker’s rights and social teachings, signalling a focus on justice and peace.

Cook Islands’ Bishop Reynaldo said: “Pope Leo XIV’s election has inspired hope for a continuation of the progressive values championed by his predecessor, Pope Francis.”

– Melina Etches/Vatican News