In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:07 p.m. local time on May 8, signaling that the College of Cardinals had reached the required two-thirds majority to elect a new pope. The conclave, comprising 133 cardinal electors, concluded after four rounds of voting over two days.
Pope Leo XIV, 69, is the first American to ascend to the papacy. Born in Chicago, he has a multicultural background with roots in Peru, where he served as a missionary, and ancestry tracing to Italy, France, and Spain. Before his election, he was a member of the Augustinian order and served as the head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops.
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Upon his appearance on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the jubilant crowd with a message of peace and unity. His papal name honors Pope Leo XIII, known for his advocacy of workers’ rights and social reform.
The election of an American pope marks a significant shift in the Church’s history, as the Vatican has traditionally been cautious about electing a pontiff from a global superpower. Pope Leo XIV’s selection is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’s legacy, emphasizing humility, inclusivity, and global engagement.
The conclave’s conclusion was marked by a lighthearted moment when a baby seagull landed on the Sistine Chapel roof just seconds before the white smoke appeared, prompting cheers and laughter from the crowd.
New York Post
Pope Leo XIV now faces the challenge of leading the Catholic Church through complex global issues, including conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and South Sudan. Many faithful look to his leadership with hope for peace and reconciliation.
The new pope’s inaugural Mass is expected to take place within the coming week, as the Church embarks on this new chapter under his guidance.
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