The Catholic Church has a new leader following the election of Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025. This historic decision came on the second day of the conclave, marking Prevost as the first American-born pope in the Church's history.
As the white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the cardinals' choice, the announcement of "Habemus Papam" (We have a pope) was met with cheers from the thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square. The newly elected Pope Leo XIV, aged 69, took to the balcony to greet the faithful, expressing gratitude to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
"Thank you, Francis," Leo XIV said in his inaugural address, recalling the late pope's "weak but always courageous voice" that blessed Rome. His speech, delivered in both Italian and Spanish, also emphasized the importance of peace and unity among people worldwide.
Prevost's journey to the papacy is remarkable. Born in Chicago, he dedicated a significant part of his life to missionary work in Peru, where he served for nearly two decades. His experience in Latin America has endowed him with a unique perspective on the Church's role in a rapidly changing world. Known as the "pastor of two homelands," Prevost is fluent in Spanish and has a deep understanding of the needs of the Catholic community in that region.
In preparation for the conclave, Prevost engaged in personal activities to ease his nerves. His brother, John Prevost, shared that they played online games, including Wordle and Words with Friends, and discussed the upcoming responsibilities. "I asked him if he was ready for this and if he had watched the movie 'Conclave' to know how to behave," John recalled, highlighting the light-hearted moments before the serious task at hand.
The movie 'Conclave,' released in 2024 and featuring actors like Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci, dramatizes the election of a new pope, providing a fictional glimpse into the process that Leo XIV just experienced. The film's context seemed fitting as Prevost stepped into his new role, embodying the blend of tradition and modernity that characterizes the Catholic Church today.
Leo XIV's election is notable not only for his nationality but also for the diverse group of cardinals who participated in the conclave. A record 133 cardinals from 71 countries voted, with at least 89 reaching a consensus in the election. This diversity reflects Pope Francis's efforts to broaden the representation within the Church, particularly from regions that were previously underrepresented.
As the new pope addressed the crowd, he called for the Church to build bridges through dialogue and connection, echoing sentiments expressed by Pope Francis during his papacy. "We need to try together to be a missionary Church, one that builds bridges and opens its arms to the world," he stated, emphasizing inclusivity and outreach.
Prevost's background as a missionary and his tenure as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, have shaped his pastoral approach. He has been recognized for his diplomatic skills, navigating between conservative and progressive factions within the Church. His appointment as cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023 positioned him as a potential candidate for the papacy, though he was not initially seen as a frontrunner.
Despite his progressive views on social issues, Leo XIV has also faced scrutiny. He has expressed conservative opinions on LGBTQ+ matters and criticized policies that promote gender ideology in schools, reflecting the complex balance he must maintain as pope. Supporters argue that he is a victim of misinformation campaigns, particularly regarding his handling of sensitive issues during his time as bishop.
In his first appearance as pope, Prevost donned traditional papal vestments, signaling a return to customary practices after his predecessor's more casual approach. This choice has led some to speculate about the direction of his papacy, with contrasts already drawn between his conservative name choice and the progressive legacy of Pope Francis.
As the 267th pope, Leo XIV inherits a Church that has undergone significant transformations under his predecessor. The challenges ahead are daunting, with issues ranging from sexual abuse scandals to the global impact of climate change and social justice. Yet, his commitment to building bridges and fostering dialogue offers a hopeful vision for the future of the Catholic Church.
In his closing remarks, Leo XIV reiterated the importance of peace, stating, "This is the peace of the risen Christ, a disarming and humble peace that comes from God, who loves us all unconditionally." His words resonated with the crowd, who filled St. Peter's Square, eager to witness the dawn of a new era in the Catholic Church.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Catholic Church, blending tradition with a fresh perspective. As he embarks on this journey, the world watches closely, hoping for a leadership that embraces the complexities of modern faith while remaining rooted in its rich heritage.
