On May 8, 2025, Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the papal name Leo XIV. His election marks a historic moment as he becomes the first American Pope in the Church's history, leading over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Prevost, a 69-year-old cleric from Chicago, was not widely considered a frontrunner during the conclave, which took place just 17 days after the death of Pope Francis. Initial favorites included Cardinal Pietro Parolin from Italy, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, also from Italy. According to betting analysis from The Economist, Parolin had a 52% chance of being elected just hours before the conclave concluded, while Prevost was not even listed among the top contenders.
His election came as a surprise, with reports describing him as a "dark horse" candidate who quickly garnered support despite being relatively unknown. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) noted that while his name emerged late in the process, it was not unusual for a candidate like Prevost to be elected, as he is seen as someone capable of bridging different worlds within the Church.
Prevost's papal name, Leo XIV, is significant as it symbolizes a commitment to uphold the traditions of the Catholic Church while also reflecting on the teachings of his predecessor, Pope Leo XIII. The name Leo, which means "lion" in Latin, is associated with strength, courage, and leadership. Matteo Bruni, the spokesperson for the Holy See, explained that the choice of name represents a continuity of modern Catholic social doctrine, particularly in relation to labor rights and social justice, themes emphasized by Leo XIII in his 1891 encyclical, "Rerum Novarum." This encyclical laid the foundation for Catholic social teaching addressing issues such as social justice and labor rights during the industrialization era.
Prevost has spent two decades serving as a missionary in Peru, where he acquired citizenship and was appointed Archbishop in 2015. His extensive experience in Latin America and his fluency in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French, have equipped him with the skills to navigate the diverse challenges facing the Church today. His appointment as the head of the Episcopal Department by Pope Francis in 2023 further solidified his role within the Church, where he has been involved in reforms aimed at promoting episcopal collegiality and including women in decision-making processes.
Upon his election, Leo XIV addressed the crowd gathered at St. Peter's Basilica, delivering his first message in Italian, saying, "Peace be with you all" (La pace sia con tutti voi). He repeated this sentiment in Spanish but did not use English. He concluded his appearance with the traditional Latin blessing, "Urbi et Orbi," which translates to "to the city and to the world." Notably, he wore the crimson mozzetta, a traditional cape, indicating a potential return to some of the customs that his predecessor had chosen to forgo.
The response to Leo XIV's election has been mixed, with some expressing excitement over the selection of an American Pope, while others have noted the challenges he faces in a divided Church. Former U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media to express his pride in having the first American Pope, stating, "The fact that the first American Pope is very inspiring, and I look forward to meeting Leo XIV."
As the new leader of the Catholic Church, Leo XIV is expected to navigate the delicate balance between reform and tradition. His moderate theological stance positions him as a figure who can unite the reformist and conservative factions within the Church, a task that has proven challenging for his predecessors. The BBC highlighted that the quick decision to elect him—completed in just four rounds of voting—reflects the cardinals' confidence in his ability to lead.
Leo XIV's inauguration Mass is scheduled for May 11, 2025, at St. Peter's Basilica, followed by his first official press conference on May 12, 2025. As he steps into this pivotal role, many are watching closely to see how he will address the pressing issues facing the global Catholic community, including the Church's response to social justice, labor rights, and the challenges posed by modernity.
In summary, Leo XIV's election as the first American Pope signifies a new chapter for the Catholic Church, one that seeks to honor tradition while also addressing contemporary issues. His ability to bridge various factions within the Church will be crucial as he embarks on this journey, and his leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of Catholicism in the years to come.
