In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. This marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first pontiff in history to hail from the United States. The announcement was made by Cardinal-Protodeacon Dominic Mamberti from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, where he proclaimed, "Habemus papam!" ("We have a pope!").
The conclave, which began on May 7, 2025, concluded its voting on the evening of May 8, during the fourth round of ballots. More than 130 cardinals from around the globe participated in the election, which was conducted under strict secrecy. The first round of voting lasted three hours, while subsequent rounds were completed more swiftly. Notably, black smoke was seen twice during the process, indicating that the cardinals had not reached a decision until the final votes were cast.
As Cardinal Prevost stepped out onto the balcony to greet the throngs gathered below, approximately 40,000 people erupted in cheers, chanting "Viva il Papa!" ("Long live the Pope!"). The moment was marked by the appearance of white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the successful election of a new pontiff. Local police reported a surge of excitement as people hurried to St. Peter's Square, eager to witness the announcement.
Prevost, who is 69 years old, was born in Chicago on September 14, 1955. He has a rich background in the Catholic Church, having served as the General Prior of the Order of Augustinians. His elevation to cardinal occurred only two years prior, in 2023, when he was appointed to lead the Dicastery for Bishops, a crucial role responsible for the appointment of bishops worldwide. During his tenure, he has expressed support for Pope Francis' positions, particularly regarding the inclusion of divorced and remarried Catholics in Holy Communion and cautiously endorsed initiatives to bless same-sex couples.
The election of Leo XIV comes on the heels of the passing of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, had led the Catholic Church since 2013, navigating numerous challenges, including health issues that ultimately led to his resignation. His death coincided with the Easter holiday, a time symbolizing hope and renewal for Christians worldwide.
Cardinal Prevost's election is particularly significant given the context of his background. With extensive missionary experience in South America, he is viewed as a candidate who can bridge cultural divides within the Church. His upbringing in the United States, coupled with his time spent in Peru, positions him uniquely to address the diverse needs of the global Catholic community.
The conclave's proceedings were marked by strict regulations, including the prohibition of communication devices. This tradition ensures that the cardinals remain focused on their sacred duty to elect a new leader for the Church. The voting process itself is straightforward: each cardinal writes their choice on a slip of paper and places it in a ballot box, after which the votes are counted in a transparent manner.
As Leo XIV, Cardinal Prevost inherits a Church facing numerous challenges, including declining attendance in Western countries, the need for reforms, and the ongoing discussions about inclusivity and modernizing practices to meet the needs of contemporary believers. His election is seen as a potential turning point for the Church, with many hopeful that he will continue the legacy of openness and dialogue initiated by Pope Francis.
In his first address from the balcony, Leo XIV greeted the faithful with the words, "Peace to you all," setting a tone of unity and hope. The last ten conclaves have averaged slightly more than three days in duration, with no pontiff having been elected on the first day of voting in recent history. The previous conclave that elected Pope Francis lasted only two days, showcasing the rapid decision-making that characterized this election.
As the world watches, the new Pope is expected to outline his vision for the Church in the coming days. His background, characterized by a blend of American and Peruvian influences, may offer a fresh perspective on how the Catholic Church can engage with its diverse global congregation.
With the election of Leo XIV, the Roman Catholic Church embarks on a new chapter under a leader who embodies both tradition and modernity. As he steps into this pivotal role, many are eager to see how he will navigate the complexities of faith in a rapidly changing world.
