Japanese cardinal explains why Pope Leo XIV was chosen in the conclave

MUMBAI, India – Japanese Cardinal Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo says Pope Leo XIV’s previous work as a missionary and as a Vatican official were important reasons he will make a good pontiff.

Speaking to Crux, the cardinal gave is reflections on the election of American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a member of the Augustinian order, to the Chair of Peter on May 8.

“Pope Leo XIV has a rich background in missionary work, especially in Peru, where he served both as a missionary and later as a bishop.