On May 9, 2025, the Vatican unveiled a new era in its leadership with the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. The swift election followed the death of Pope Francis just weeks earlier, and it has sent ripples of surprise and intrigue throughout the Catholic community and beyond.
Pope Leo XIV, born in Chicago in 1955, has spent a significant part of his life serving as a missionary in Peru, where he dedicated over a decade to the impoverished communities of Trujillo. He later led the Diocese of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023 before being appointed as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a key role in the Vatican responsible for recommending new bishop appointments.
His election came after a remarkably brief conclave, which lasted less than 24 hours, culminating in a dramatic moment when white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signaling a new pope had been chosen. While many in the crowd initially misheard the announcement, thinking it was an Italian name, the reality of an American pope quickly set in, causing a mix of astonishment and excitement.
Prevost's ascent to the papacy was unexpected. He was not a prominent figure in pre-conclave discussions, and many cardinals expressed surprise at how often his name came up during deliberations. Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, recounted, "I was surprised at how many of my colleagues asked me... 'do you know this Roberto Prevost?'" This curiosity signified a growing interest in Prevost, who had spent much of his adult life outside the United States.
Despite being an American, his background as a missionary and his dual citizenship in Peru contributed to a perception that he was "the least American" among the U.S. cardinals, a sentiment echoed by Robert McElroy, the Archbishop of Washington. He noted that Prevost's nationality was almost negligible in the conclave discussions, highlighting his unique position as a candidate.
Pope Leo XIV's papal name is significant, reflecting his commitment to social justice and the poor. The name Leo evokes Pope Leo XIII, who was known for his emphasis on workers' rights and Catholic social doctrine during the industrial revolution. In his inaugural address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo quoted St. Augustine, saying, "For you, I am a bishop, with you, after all, I am a Christian," emphasizing his mission to bridge divides and serve the marginalized.
His election is not only a historic moment for the United States but also for the Augustinian order, of which he is the first pope. The Augustinians prioritize community, charity, and missionary work, values that align with Leo's previous work in Peru. His approach to leadership is expected to carry forward many of the themes championed by Pope Francis, particularly regarding the environment, poverty, and dialogue with other faiths.
In his first mass as pope, Leo XIV articulated a vision for the church that focused on illuminating the "dark nights of this world" and emphasized that the church should be judged by the holiness of its members rather than the grandeur of its buildings. His message resonated with many, as he called for a church that is open to all, particularly those in need, and he expressed a desire to build bridges rather than walls.
However, his election has not been without controversy. Some conservative factions within the U.S. have voiced their discontent, particularly those aligned with the MAGA movement. Influencers like Laura Loomer and Charlie Kirk have criticized Leo for being "anti-Trump" and "pro-open borders," reflecting a broader unease about his progressive stances on immigration and social issues.
Leo XIV has already made headlines for his critiques of U.S. immigration policy, positioning himself at odds with Vice President JD Vance, who has used his Catholic faith to justify stricter immigration controls. Shortly after Vance's remarks, Leo shared an article that challenged the notion of prioritizing love for one’s neighbor over love for those further away, signaling his commitment to a more inclusive approach.
As discussions around his papacy unfold, many are curious about how Leo XIV will navigate the complexities of being an American pope in a divided political landscape. His reputation as a good listener and effective administrator has garnered respect among his peers, with Dolan noting, "He runs a great meeting, which not everybody does." This ability to facilitate dialogue may prove essential as he seeks to unify a church that has faced significant challenges in recent years.
The quick consensus around Leo's election suggests a strong desire among the cardinal electors to maintain continuity with the Francis papacy while also signaling a need for a leader who can bridge various factions within the church. As Father Thomas Reese, a senior analyst at Religion News Service, pointed out, "This brisk conclave signals how strong the desire among the cardinal electors was to maintain continuity with the Francis papacy."
Looking ahead, Pope Leo XIV's commitment to social justice and compassion for the poor is expected to shape his papacy significantly. His choice of the name Leo is seen as a clear indication of his intentions to continue advocating for the marginalized and to address pressing global issues such as poverty, immigration, and environmental degradation.
As the world watches, Leo XIV's journey as the first American pope unfolds. His unique background, experiences, and approach to leadership may redefine the papacy in a time when the Catholic Church faces numerous challenges and opportunities for renewal.
