9 May, Vatican
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
In a historic turn of events, Chicago Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, answering to the name of Pope Leo XIV. His election represents the first time an American-born clergyman will occupy the papacy, a historic day for the global Catholic community.
The conclave of 133 cardinal electors gathered after the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. After four ballots in two days, the white smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel on May 8, announcing the election of the new pope. Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced the news to the faithful assembled in St. Peter’s Square, saying, “Habemus Papam.”
Pope Leo XIV, aged 69, brings extensive foreign experience to the papacy. Ordained an Augustinian priest, he worked extensively in Peru, where he was consecrated bishop and later held double U.S.-Peruvian citizenship.
His efforts for the poor and his social justice work in Latin America are very well known. In his message to the crowd from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the people by saying, “Peace be with all of you,” thus highlighting his goal of unity and compassion.
Choosing the papal name “Leo XIV” is meant to honor Pope Leo XIII, who wrote the encyclical “Rerum Novarum,” his encyclical on the rights and conditions of workers. Most people are reacting positively toward his election. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed it as a “great honor for the United States.”
In Peru, the country where Pope Leo XIV ministered to the church for more than two decades, there was celebration, with the citizens expressing pride in Pope Leo XIV’s solid bond to Peru. It is anticipated that Pope Leo XIV’s papacy will follow the same innovative direction of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
His previous roles as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and as President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America have placed him at wide levels of the international proceedings of the Church.
When the Catholic Church starts this new era under Pope Leo XIV, the majority of the believers everywhere crave an open, socially conscious, and dedicated papacy in pastoral affairs
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