In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pontiff, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
His election follows the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, died at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest.
The conclave to elect the new pope began on May 7, 2025, with 133 cardinals gathering in the Sistine Chapel. After two days and multiple rounds of voting, white smoke billowed from the chapel’s chimney on May 8, signaling that a new pope had been chosen. The announcement was made by the senior cardinal deacon, who declared in Latin, “Nuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus papam” – “I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope.”
Pope Leo XIV, 69, is the first American and the first member of the Order of St. Augustine to ascend to the papacy. Born in Chicago in 1955, he holds degrees in mathematics, philosophy, and theology, and is fluent in multiple languages . Ordained as a priest at 26, he spent much of his career as a missionary in Peru, where he served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 until his appointment to the Vatican in January 2025 by Pope Francis .
Known for his humility and administrative acumen, Pope Leo XIV previously led the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the appointment of bishops worldwide . His leadership style is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’s emphasis on social justice and outreach to marginalized communities .
In his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV expressed a message of peace and unity, stating, “Peace be with all of you! May it enter your hearts, reach your families and all people, wherever they are”.
As the new pontiff, Pope Leo XIV faces significant challenges, including addressing the decline in religious vocations, combating secularization, and continuing reforms to enhance transparency and accountability within the Church . His election marks a new chapter in the Church’s history, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and global representation.
