In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Leone XIV. This marks a significant milestone as Prevost is the first Pope from the United States, born in Chicago 69 years ago, and a dual citizen of Peru since 2015. His election was announced following the white smoke that emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at approximately 18:00, signaling the conclusion of the conclave.
The announcement of the new Pope was met with jubilation from the thousands gathered in Piazza San Pietro, where over 150,000 people flocked to witness the momentous occasion. The bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang in celebration, echoing the excitement of the crowd, which had been anxiously awaiting the outcome of the conclave, especially after two earlier ballots resulted in black smoke.
Prevost's first words as Pope were "La pace sia con tutti voi," which translates to "Peace be with you all." In his inaugural address, he emphasized the need for unity and dialogue, urging, "Let us continue to build bridges." This call for peace resonated with many, including Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who expressed the Republic's commitment to fostering strong relations with the Holy See in pursuit of global peace and human rights.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also sent her congratulations, highlighting the world's desperate need for peace, a sentiment echoed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who praised the Vatican's consistent support for international law and the rights of innocent civilians amidst ongoing conflicts.
Prevost's election was notable not just for his nationality but also for his unique approach; he is the first Pope to read from a written speech during his inaugural address, a departure from the traditional practice of speaking extemporaneously. This shift reflects his intention to communicate clearly and effectively with the global community.
In the days following his election, Pope Leone XIV is scheduled to celebrate a mass in the Sistine Chapel with the cardinals on May 9, 2025, and will recite the Regina Coeli from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica on May 11, 2025. His election has been described as one of the quickest in modern history, concluding after just four ballots, a rarity in the last 150 years.
The conclave began on May 7, 2025, and the rapid succession of votes—culminating in the fourth that led to the white smoke—has been interpreted by many as a sign of unity within the Church. Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi remarked that the swift conclusion of the conclave is a clear indication of the Church's solidarity.
In addition to the political leaders who reached out to congratulate him, Prevost's election has garnered significant media attention. Major outlets like CNN, The New York Times, and The Guardian highlighted the historic nature of having an American Pope, which has sparked discussions about the future direction of the Church under his leadership.
As preparations continue for his inaugural mass and public appearances, the atmosphere in Rome remains electric. Thousands of faithful have gathered, some traveling from far and wide to witness the new Pope's first public blessing. The excitement is palpable, with many expressing hope that Prevost will lead the Church through these challenging times, focusing on peace and reconciliation.
In the immediate aftermath of the election, the new Pope will retreat to the "Room of Tears," a space designated for reflection and prayer, where he will don the papal vestments before making his first public appearance. This ritual underscores the gravity of the responsibilities he is about to undertake as the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide.
As the world watches and waits for his first blessings, the election of Leone XIV signifies not just a new chapter for the Catholic Church but also a renewed hope for peace and unity amid global turmoil. The Pope's call for dialogue and bridge-building is a timely reminder of the Church's role in fostering understanding and compassion in a divided world.
In conclusion, the election of Pope Leone XIV represents a historic moment for both the Catholic Church and the wider world, as he prepares to lead with a focus on peace, dialogue, and unity in a time of significant global challenges.
