Historic Election in the Vatican
On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States was elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American pontiff in the history of the Church. The announcement came after white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel, signaling a successful papal conclave on its second day.
Who Is Pope Leo XIV?
Pope Leo XIV, born in Chicago, Illinois, is 69 years old and brings decades of global pastoral experience. He is known for his missionary work and ecclesiastical leadership, particularly in Latin America. He spent over a decade as a missionary in Trujillo, Peru, and later served as the bishop of Chiclayo, a city in northern Peru, from 2014 to 2023.
Fluent in Spanish and deeply immersed in Latin American culture, he also holds Peruvian citizenship since 2015, reflecting his strong ties to the region. Before his election, he served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the most influential positions in the Vatican, overseeing the appointment of bishops worldwide.
The Conclave and Election Process
The conclave consisted of 133 cardinal electors, who were sequestered inside the Vatican during the election process. A two-thirds majority vote was required to elect a new pope. After several rounds of voting, Cardinal Prevost secured the necessary support, and the traditional white smoke appeared above the Sistine Chapel, signifying the successful selection of a new leader of the global Catholic Church.
First Words from the Balcony
Appearing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV offered his first public words as pontiff to a massive crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
“Peace be with you all,” he said, referencing the greeting of the resurrected Christ.
“This is the first greeting of the resurrected Christ, the good shepherd who has given up his life for God. And I should also like this greeting of peace to enter our hearts and our families.”
Visibly moved, Pope Leo XIV blessed the crowd and acknowledged the memory of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Tribute to Pope Francis
In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV paid a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this year.
“Let us keep in our ears the weak voice of Pope Francis that blesses Rome. The Pope who blessed Rome, gave his blessing to the entire world that morning of Easter. Allow me to follow up on that blessing. God loves us. God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail.”
His message, delivered in Italian, resonated with the audience and set a tone of humility, continuity, and inclusivity.
A Vision for the Future
Pope Leo XIV is expected to build on the reformist legacy of Pope Francis, focusing on pastoral outreach, social justice, and modernization of the Church’s global operations. With deep roots in missionary service and administrative leadership, Leo XIV is seen as a bridge between tradition and change.
In a past interview with Vatican News, he had said:
“I still consider myself a missionary. My vocation, like that of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to proclaim the Gospel wherever one is.”
Global Reactions and Significance
The election of an American pope marks a historic milestone in the Church’s 2,000-year history. Flags from across the world—Argentina, Peru, the Philippines, Brazil, and beyond—were seen waving in celebration at St. Peter’s Square, highlighting the global nature of the Catholic faith.
With Pope Leo XIV now leading the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, the Church enters a new chapter shaped by international experience, cultural fluency, and a continued commitment to gospel-centered mission.
