In a historic conclave that concluded swiftly, Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Leo XIV. The announcement was made shortly after 7:00 PM local time, heralded by the ringing of bells in St. Peter's Square, following the fourth round of voting. This election marks a significant moment in the Church's history, as Prevost is the first North American to hold the papacy, a milestone that has garnered widespread attention and reactions from across the globe.
The conclave, which began with a series of votes, saw the white smoke signaling the election of a new pope emerge much sooner than in previous instances. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the previous pope, was elected after five ballots in 2013. The swift decision this time has been noted as a sign of unity among the cardinals, as Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi remarked, "A white smoke that arrives so soon is a clear sign of the unity of the Church."
As the news spread, over 150,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square, their anticipation palpable as they awaited the new pope's first appearance. The cardinal protodeacon, Dominique Mamberti, officially announced, "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus Papam!" which translates to "I announce to you a great joy: we have a Pope!" This moment was met with applause and tears of joy from the faithful.
Prevost, who turns 70 in September, hails from Chicago and has extensive experience within the Church, having served as the bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023. He is a member of the Order of Augustinians and has a long history of missionary work, particularly in Latin America. His election has been described by major news outlets such as The New York Times and CNN as a groundbreaking event, emphasizing his unique position as the first American pope.
In his first address from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, Leo XIV expressed a message of hope and unity, saying, "Peace be with you all... God loves you all and evil will not prevail. We are all in God's hands... let us continue to build bridges, with dialogue and encounter, uniting us to be one people, always in peace." His words resonated with the crowd, many of whom were visibly moved.
However, alongside the celebrations, shadows linger over Prevost’s past, particularly concerning accusations related to the handling of sexual abuse cases during his tenure as bishop. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) had previously filed a complaint against him, expressing serious concerns over his alleged failure to act on reports of abuse involving priests in his diocese. The organization accused him of covering up incidents, which they claimed hindered investigations into clergy misconduct.
Specific allegations include Prevost’s inaction regarding priests accused of abuse in the Diocese of Chiclayo, where he was bishop. Three victims reported their experiences, claiming that Prevost did not initiate proper investigations and allowed accused priests to continue their ministry. The diocese has denied these claims, asserting that they followed appropriate procedures and that investigations were conducted as needed.
Moreover, Prevost's past in Chicago has also come under scrutiny. In 2000, while serving as the provincial superior of the Augustinian Order, he allowed Father James Ray to reside near a Catholic elementary school despite Ray’s history of inappropriate conduct with minors. This decision has led to questions about Prevost’s judgment and handling of sensitive cases during his leadership roles.
The diocese of Chiclayo has publicly refuted the allegations, calling them false and stating that the Church has always provided victims with the opportunity to report abuses. Nevertheless, SNAP’s accusations have raised concerns about how Prevost will address these issues as pope, particularly given the Church's ongoing struggle with transparency and accountability regarding sexual abuse.
In the wake of his election, reactions have poured in from various leaders and public figures worldwide. Italian President Sergio Mattarella expressed his commitment to fostering strong relations between Italy and the Vatican, emphasizing the need for peace in a world troubled by conflict. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also congratulated Prevost, highlighting the desperate need for peace globally.
International leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, welcomed the new pope, hoping for continued spiritual support from the Vatican in Ukraine's pursuit of justice and peace against ongoing aggression. Even former U.S. President Donald Trump extended his congratulations, noting the significance of having an American pope.
As Leo XIV prepares to lead the Catholic Church, he faces the dual challenge of addressing the past controversies surrounding his tenure while also guiding the Church through contemporary issues. His commitment to building bridges and fostering dialogue will be crucial in navigating the complexities of his papacy.
In the coming days, Leo XIV will celebrate a mass in the Sistine Chapel with the cardinals on May 10, 2025, and recite the Regina Coeli from the loggia of the Basilica of San Pietro on May 11, 2025. The world watches closely as the new pope embarks on his mission, hoping for a renewed focus on peace, unity, and transparency within the Church.
