Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Raymond Osei Tutu, Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, has described the election of the new pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, as a divine outcome.
Speaking to ABC News on Thursday, he remarked, “God have had His way,” expressing his joy that the newly elected pope was not among the widely speculated candidates.
“It means a great joy that the elected Pope wasn’t one of the expected candidates… being that we are able to follow a new shepherd,” he added.
His comments followed the historic announcement of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from the United States as the new leader of the Catholic Church.
The Chicago-born cleric, now Pope Leo XIV, becomes the first American to ascend to the papacy, following a successful election by 133 cardinals during the conclave held in Vatican City.
The traditional white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel on May 8, 2025, signaling his election on the second day of voting.
Rev. Dr. Osei Tutu’s reflections underscore the surprise felt by many within the global Catholic community at the unexpected outcome of the conclave.
While many names had circulated in advance, the chancellor emphasized that the Church now follows a shepherd guided by divine will rather than popular speculation.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks not only a milestone in Church history but also a moment of renewed hope and direction for the Catholic faithful.
