In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the first American pope, taking the name Leo XIV. The announcement came on May 8, 2025, at 19:24 local time, when Prevost stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to greet the faithful gathered below. "Peace be with you all," he proclaimed, hoping his message would resonate with families and communities worldwide.
At 69 years old, Leo XIV becomes the 267th pope, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. The election took place after two days of deliberation among the 133 cardinal electors, who ultimately reached a two-thirds majority to select the new pontiff. The white smoke that signaled the election was first seen at 6:20 p.m. Rome time, creating a wave of excitement among the thousands of spectators in St. Peter's Square.
Prevost's election marks a significant milestone for the Church, as he is not only the first American pope but also the first leader of the Catholic Church to come from the United States. Born in Chicago, he spent many years as prior of the Augustinian order and served as a missionary in Peru, where he eventually became archbishop. His background as a reformer has set high expectations for his papacy, especially in light of the internal challenges and divisions within the American Church.
The conclave that led to Prevost's election was characterized by intense deliberation. The cardinal electors, representing a diverse array of countries, have faced pressing issues, including the ongoing conflicts in regions like Gaza, Ukraine, and India, as well as the Church's own struggles with clerical sex abuse and the role of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals within its ranks.
As Prevost took the papal name Leo XIV, he inherits a complex legacy from his predecessor, Pope Francis, who was known for his progressive approach and emphasis on compassion. Francis's tenure, while marked by efforts to modernize the Church, drew criticism from traditionalists who felt he strayed from core doctrines. In this context, the choice of Prevost signals an opportunity for the Church to navigate its future direction amid a changing global landscape.
During a press conference in 2023, Prevost expressed his commitment to inclusivity, stating, "Our work is to enlarge the tent and to let everyone know they are welcome inside the Church." This sentiment will likely guide his papacy as he addresses the myriad challenges facing the Church today.
The election of Leo XIV has been met with enthusiasm and hope. As the new pope waved to the crowd, many cheered and waved flags from various countries, creating a vibrant atmosphere in St. Peter's Square. The scene was reminiscent of past papal announcements, with shouts of "Habemus Papam!"—Latin for "We have a pope!"—echoing through the square.
Prevost's journey to the papacy began when he was made a cardinal in 2023, a role that placed him at the forefront of selecting bishops worldwide. His dual citizenship in the United States and Peru positions him uniquely in the Church's hierarchy, allowing him to bridge cultural divides that have historically influenced Catholicism.
The conclave that elected Prevost was the largest and most international in recent history, with cardinals from five continents participating. Their deliberations were conducted under strict secrecy, with the only communication to the outside world being the smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel. The black smoke on the first two voting days indicated no decision had been reached until the white smoke emerged on the afternoon of May 8.
As the world watches, Leo XIV faces the daunting task of uniting a divided Church while addressing pressing global issues. His papacy will need to navigate the complexities of modern society, where traditional values often clash with contemporary beliefs and practices.
The papal inauguration is expected to take place within the week, where Leo XIV will outline his priorities and vision for the Church. The new pope's first homily will be closely scrutinized, as it will set the tone for his leadership and the direction he intends to take.
Prevost's election is not just a personal milestone; it represents a significant shift in the Catholic Church's history. As the first American pope, he embodies the hopes and aspirations of many Catholics who seek a more inclusive and compassionate Church. The challenges ahead are immense, but the potential for reform and renewal is equally profound.
As the bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang out to celebrate this historic occasion, the excitement in the air was palpable. Many gathered in the square felt a sense of connection and community, united by their faith and the shared experience of witnessing the election of a new pope.
In the coming weeks, Leo XIV will likely face scrutiny from both supporters and critics as he embarks on his papal journey. The world will be watching to see how he addresses the internal and external challenges that lie ahead, as well as how he seeks to engage with the global community of 1.4 billion Catholics.
Ultimately, the election of Robert Francis Prevost as Leo XIV is a moment of great significance for the Catholic Church, one that promises to shape its future for years to come.
