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Cardinal Robert Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pontiff, Vowing a Humble and Christ-Centered Papacy

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Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV and becoming the first American in history to ascend to the papacy. The announcement came on May 8, following the fourth round of voting by the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel.

Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV brings a unique blend of North American and Latin American experience to the papacy. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, he served as a missionary and later as bishop in Peru, and was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis the same year.

In choosing the name Leo XIV, he honors both Pope Leo I, known for theological clarity, and Pope Leo XIII, a champion of social justice and workers’ rights.

In his first Mass as pope, celebrated on May 9 in the Sistine Chapel, Leo XIV warned of a world increasingly consumed by technology, wealth, and power, calling instead for a return to Christ-centered values. “We are not here to preserve a museum,” he said. “We are here to light the path with the truth of the Gospel.”

Global reaction to his election has been largely positive, with leaders from the United States, Latin America, and Europe offering congratulations. Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to deliver his first public Angelus address from St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, May 11.

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Rockland’s Roxanne Watson, Recovering From Second Heart Transplant, How You Can Support Her Recovery

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Update: Rockland’s Roxanne Watson, a heart transplant recipient that has dedicated her life to helping others recieve organ donations, is currently recovering from her second heart transplant. Roxanne has signed up over 13,000 people to the National Organ Donor Registry.

Roxanne is truly an amazing person and the United Women of Rockland are helping her as she recovers.

(Via United Women of Rockland) We want to take a moment to thank everyone who has donated gift cards or funds to support Roxanne Watson and her family. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference.
We’ve been in touch with her son, who shared that Roxanne is currently recovering from her second heart transplant. While this is a hopeful step forward, she still has a long road to healing and remains in the hospital.
The family asked us to extend their heartfelt gratitude to each of you. They are truly touched by the outpouring of love and support.

As Roxanne continues her recovery, her son is still making the daily trips to be by her side, and the travel expenses continue to add up. We are still collecting gas or Visa gift cards, or donations to help purchase them, to help ease this burden during such a challenging time.

How You Can Help:

📬 Mail a gift card to:
United Women of Rockland
P.O. Box 105
Stony Point, NY 10980

📲 Or Venmo your donation to: @UWRinc

(We’ll use it to purchase gift cards directly.)

Roxanne and her family are deeply thankful for your kindness. Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she focuses on healing.

Thank you again for standing by her.

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Keep Rockland Beautiful Community Cleanup in Chestnut Ridge

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Chestnut Ridge, NY — The Village of Chestnut Ridge saw community spirit in action as dedicated volunteers from Keep Rockland Beautiful came together for a successful community cleanup aimed at preserving the natural beauty of the area. Armed with gloves, garbage bags, and a shared mission, volunteers spent the day removing litter and debris from local streets and public spaces.

The event is part of Keep Rockland Beautiful’s ongoing effort to promote environmental stewardship, civic pride, and cleaner, greener neighborhoods throughout Rockland County. The organization regularly coordinates cleanups and educational programs designed to reduce pollution and engage residents in sustainability.

A special thanks was extended to Officer Modica of the Ramapo Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit, who was on-site to ensure the safety of all volunteers throughout the cleanup. His support allowed the team to work efficiently and safely along busy roadways.

Keep Rockland Beautiful continues to invite local residents, businesses, and schools to join their mission. For more information or to sign up for future cleanups, visit www.keeprocklandbeautiful.org.

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