News

American cardinal elected new Pope

Published

1 year 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.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

9 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

19 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

19 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.