News

American cardinal elected new Pope

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Leo XIV becomes first US pontiff in Catholic Church history

AN AMERICAN cardinal has been elected as the new Pope, marking a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old prelate from Chicago, was chosen by the conclave of cardinals on today, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21, who led the Church for more than a decade and was widely praised for his progressive stance on social issues.

White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 6:07pm local time, confirming that the 133 participating cardinal-electors had agreed upon a successor after two days of closed-door voting.

Pope Leo XIV addressed thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square with a message of “peace and unity,” thanking his predecessor and calling for compassion and dialogue in a time of global conflict and spiritual uncertainty.

The Herald understands that Cardinal Prevost was widely respected for his work as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and for his earlier missionary work in Peru. His election is being seen as a move to bridge divides within the Church and extend outreach to the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

Born in Chicago to a French-Italian father and a Spanish mother, Leo XIV studied mathematics before joining the Order of St Augustine. His rise through the Vatican ranks was steady but marked by quiet diplomacy and a reputation for listening.

His appointment comes at a critical time. The Catholic Church continues to grapple with internal tensions over doctrine, the aftermath of clerical abuse scandals, and falling attendance in many Western nations.

Leo XIV’s first full day as pontiff will include private meetings with senior clergy and preparations for his formal inauguration Mass, expected to take place next week.

It is the first time in nearly 2,000 years of papal history that a Pope has come from the United States. While some traditionalists may be uneasy about the shift, many inside and outside the Church have welcomed the decision as a fresh chapter for Catholicism.

Archbishop Mark O’Toole recorded a special message in response to the election of Pope Leo XIV, following last night’s election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome.

“We were all deeply overjoyed to see the election of our new Pope, Leo XIV,” said Archbishop Mark. “His first words to us, ‘Peace be with you all,’ are deeply touching. As he himself indicated, these were the words of the Risen Christ.”

The Archbishop of Cardiff reflected on the spiritual importance of this moment for the Church. “The Pope’s first task is to announce to us the Good News of Jesus Christ and to be for us a sign of unity and deep connection with our Blessed Lord. For the last 19 days since the death of our beloved Pope Francis, the Church has felt somewhat bereft. Now, the Church is once more complete – and what a beloved Holy Father Pope Leo will be for us.”

Archbishop Mark highlighted Pope Leo’s wide-ranging pastoral and global experience, noting his ministry in both North and Latin America, and his 12 years in Rome as Prior General of the worldwide Augustinian Order.

“He has huge global experience,” said Archbishop Mark. “And I know he will bring this to bear on his new ministry. He is someone in continuity with the ministry of Pope Francis – committed to dialogue, bridge-building, and reaching out to those who feel far from God. Yet, with his choice of vesture—the red cape and priestly stole—he also reminds us of the continuity with the deeper traditions of our faith and the long line of his predecessors.”

Describing the symbolism of the red robes worn during his first appearance, the Archbishop added: “They are a sign to us of the richness, the fruit, and the witness of the martyrs. In wearing them, Pope Leo reminds us that he is not just the successor of Pope Francis, but the successor of St Peter – the one who gave his life for Christ.”

Archbishop Mark also offered a personal recollection: “Just two weeks ago, I attended the funeral of Pope Francis. The day before, I had the privilege of praying in St Peter’s before his body. Cardinal Prevost – as he was then – was entering St Peter’s. I said to him, ‘You are very much in my prayers in these days.’ He smiled and said, ‘You mustn’t believe all you read in the newspapers.’ I replied, ‘Nevertheless, you have my prayers.’”

“Whenever I have met him, he has struck me as a man of deep humility, of genuine goodness, a great listener, a person of immense integrity, strong intellect, and very deep faith.”

As the Church begins this new chapter under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Mark concluded with heartfelt prayer: “We ask the Lord to bless him and give him all the graces and gifts he needs to shepherd our Church and to be a sign of Jesus Christ in our world. He is indeed a Pope for all.”

A new era begins at the Vatican – and the eyes of the world are watching.

News

Tenby councillors seek new member to fill vacancy

Published

11 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TENBY TOWN COUNCIL is inviting residents to put their names forward to fill a vacant seat on the council following the resignation of a councillor.

The council will be filling the role by co-option, rather than holding a by-election. This means that eligible individuals can apply directly to be considered, and councillors will then vote to select a new member.

Anyone interested must be over the age of 18 and meet standard criteria such as living or working in the Tenby area.

The vacancy is in the South Ward. The successful candidate will join the remaining members of the council in representing the town on local issues.

Those wishing to be considered should submit a letter or email outlining their interest and suitability for the role by 12:00 noon on Friday, July 5, 2025.

Applications should be sent to the Town Clerk, Andrew Davies, at Tenby Town Council, The De Valence Pavilion, Upper Frog Street, Tenby, SA70 7JD, or by email to [email protected].

The co-option will take place at the full council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, 2025.

Business

Much-loved Narberth restaurant Madtom closes and goes on the market

Published

15 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A POPULAR restaurant in Narberth has closed its doors and is now up for sale.

Madtom Land & Sea, known for its fresh seafood and highly rated dining experience, announced the closure this week, bringing an end to six years of trading in the bustling Pembrokeshire town.

The team behind Madtom shared the news on social media, saying the decision had been made “with a heavy heart” and that it was “time to slow down a little, gather our thoughts and focus on the next chapter.”

The restaurant, which boasts more than 300 Tripadvisor reviews and a near-perfect Facebook recommendation rating, has now been listed for sale. Interested parties are encouraged to get in touch to arrange viewings.

The statement thanked customers and staff, saying: “Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past six years, and to our fantastic team—we couldn’t have done it without you.”

The announcement prompted an outpouring of messages from loyal customers and locals.

Kevin Clarke wrote: “Amongst the best dining experiences in Pembrokeshire. Good luck for the next chapter.”

Sue James-Davies said: “Very sorry you are closing but wish you all the very best for the future. Narberth won’t be the same without you.”

Caroline Husecken added: “So sad that you have closed—you will be so missed by us all in Narberth. You have been a huge asset to the town.”

The business is currently being marketed via private enquiry.

Community

West Wales marchers press on as Egyptian authorities crack down on Gaza protest

Published

16 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

No reports of Pembrokeshire detentions as international participants face violence and deportation

ACTIVISTS from Pembrokeshire taking part in the Global March to Gaza remain on course to reach the Rafah border crossing on Sunday (June 15), despite a sweeping crackdown by Egyptian authorities on demonstrators from across the world.

The Herald understands that no members of the West Wales delegation, including Jim Scott and Tasmin Nash, have been detained, and Scott remained active on social media as recently as Friday morning.

However, disturbing scenes have emerged from Cairo and beyond, where activists from countries including France, Spain, Turkey, Canada, and the UK have had their passports confiscated, been forcibly removed from checkpoints, and in some cases physically assaulted by men in plain clothes. Footage circulating online shows demonstrators being kicked and dragged away, while some tried to defend themselves by throwing water bottles.

According to organisers, at least 40 protesters had their passports seized and were held in the heat without being allowed to move. Others—around 15 activists—are being held in hotels under restriction.

Among those confirmed detained are:

Paul Murphy, Irish MP
Faruk Dincer, Turkish MP (reportedly injured during arrest)
Hala Rharrit, former US diplomat who resigned in protest over Washington’s handling of the war

Murphy posted: “We have had our passports confiscated and are being detained. It seems Egyptian authorities have decided to crack down on the #GreatMarchToGaza. We are refusing to board the deportation bus.”

The Global March to Gaza involves over 4,000 people from 80 countries, including a delegation of West Walians who set off from Al Arish on Friday morning for a 30-mile, three-day trek across the Sinai desert, aiming to reach Rafah on Sunday.

A separate 2,000-strong convoy travelling from Tunisia was also stopped by security forces in eastern Libya on Friday.

Despite the chaos, Jim Scott, a tree surgeon from Mathry, and CND Cymru delegate, has not reported any arrest or obstruction, telling supporters on Thursday night: “I’m OK. Safe for tonight. But an insane day. Completely insane.”

Tasmin Nash, an art curator and mother of four from Pembrokeshire, also remains unconfirmed among any detained. Speaking earlier this week, she said: “I cannot rest. I cannot stay silent. Now is the time to mobilise our passion and humanity. We are united for justice and solidarity for Palestine.”

The crackdown reflects Egypt’s tense balancing act. As the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel and a major recipient of US military aid, Egypt has attempted to publicly call for peace while suppressing grassroots pro-Palestinian actions within its borders.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that he expected Egypt to “halt demonstrators at the Egypt-Israel border”, adding that their arrival would “endanger the security of IDF soldiers” and would not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, Israel has allowed limited aid into Gaza since last month, but international aid groups and UN agencies warn that the volume is nowhere near sufficient to meet the needs of the population. The humanitarian situation remains catastrophic.

Organisers of the march have called on embassies to intervene to secure the release of detained protesters, stressing: “We are a peaceful movement, and we are complying with Egyptian law.”

The Herald will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the West Wales delegation nears Rafah.