In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, marking the first time an American-born pontiff has taken the helm of the Church. The election took place during a conclave held in the Sistine Chapel, where 133 cardinals, including 10 Americans, gathered to choose a new leader following the death of Pope Francis.
This conclave, the first in 12 years, began with a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on May 7, 2025, and was characterized by a sense of urgency and anticipation. Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the first African-American cardinal, described the experience as "one of the most prayerful moments of my life." He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such a significant event during the Holy Year of Hope.
Cardinal Gregory reflected on the diverse assembly of electors, stating, "It was just an amazing opportunity to see such a diverse assembly of humanity, obviously coming from many different perspectives, facing many different challenges, but coming together for a common purpose — to find Peter’s successor. And I think we did well." This sentiment echoed among the cardinals, who engaged in discussions about their preferred candidates before casting their votes.
On the evening of May 7, black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that no decision had been reached. However, the following day, the cardinals cast their ballots again, and by the afternoon, white smoke emerged, indicating the election of a new pope. Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and proclaimed, "Habemus papam," meaning "We have a pope."
Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, addressed the crowd shortly after his election, emphasizing the importance of unity in a world marked by division. His choice of name pays homage to Pope Leo XIII, known for advocating workers' rights and social justice during a time of economic disparity.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago and a close associate of Pope Leo XIV, shared his thoughts on the new pontiff during an interview with ABC7. "This is my first conclave and I hope my last," he remarked, highlighting the weight of the responsibility that comes with such a position. Cupich noted that the trust among the cardinals was evident during the voting process, stating, "We all talk to each other about who we might vote for and why. So I'll just leave it at that."
As the new pope stood on the balcony, Cardinal Cupich had a bird's-eye view of the enthusiastic crowd below. "I had a bird's-eye view of all this being on the balcony, and I could see all the people there, many, many young people. It looks like a flash mob," he said, capturing the excitement of the moment.
Father Jack Wall, President of the Catholic Extension Society, expressed his amazement at the election of an American pontiff. "It's just amazing to see this person from us going out to make a difference in the world," he said, reflecting on the significance of Pope Leo XIV's background and the potential impact he could have on the global stage.
In Oklahoma, students in Catholic schools celebrated the election with activities and lessons centered around the papal conclave. The energy in schools across the Archdiocese was comparable to that of a championship game, as students tuned in to watch the historic event unfold. Leo Zimdars, a preschooler at the Catholic School of St. Eugene, expressed his surprise when he learned that the pope shares his name, saying his "face was like" in shock.
At Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, students enjoyed "popecorn" while watching coverage of the event in classrooms and common areas. Seventh-grade student Braxton Patterson, who aspires to be a priest, shared his excitement, stating, "I like being able to help others and serving God and doing everything I can to make my life better and make other people's lives better."
The celebrations continued on May 9, as dozens gathered at the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City for a Mass led by Archbishop Coakley to pray for Pope Leo XIV's tenure. Students were thrilled to connect with the new pope, with one mentioning that her mother had met him during his time in Tulsa.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, he faces significant challenges, including addressing the ongoing issues of clerical sex abuse within the Church. Cardinal Cupich emphasized the importance of this issue, stating, "Talking to Pope Leo... that is a priority for him; he sees it as important life of the church. I don't think we can ever say we get beyond the suffering that people have. We always have to be vigilant about this."
In his full statement after the conclave, Cardinal Cupich expressed gratitude for the prayers offered for Pope Francis and encouraged continued prayers for Pope Leo XIV as he embarks on his mission to lead the Church. "Let us rejoice that he has once again given us a Holy Father who will represent our values boldly and lead us to greater closeness with Jesus," Cupich said.
As the world watches Pope Leo XIV, the anticipation and hope surrounding his leadership reflect a desire for healing and unity within the Church and beyond. The election of an American-born pope represents a significant milestone in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, and many are eager to see how he will navigate the complexities of modern faith in a rapidly changing world.
