New Pope Elected

Robert Prevost Elected as New Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV

Vatican City – May 8, 2025

History was made today as the College of Cardinals elected Robert Prevost as the next pope, marking the first time an American has ever been chosen to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Upon his election, Prevost took the papal name Pope Leo XIV, honoring the legacy of past Popes Leo, particularly the 19th-century reformer Pope Leo XIII.

White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney shortly after 6:30 p.m. local time, signaling that the secretive conclave had reached a decision on the 266th successor to St. Peter. Just over an hour later, Cardinal Luis Tagle appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and proclaimed the traditional Latin phrase, “Habemus Papam”—”We have a pope.”

The crowd of tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as Pope Leo XIV stepped out to greet the world for the first time.

“I am deeply humbled and grateful to be called to serve,” the new pope said in his first public remarks. “Let us walk forward in unity and courage, as one Church, committed to truth, mercy, and justice.”

Background and Significance

Originally from Los Angeles, California, 69-year-old Robert Prevost previously served as the Superior General of the Augustinian Order and later as Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy at the Vatican. Known for his pastoral warmth, intellectual clarity, and fluency in Spanish, Italian, and Latin, Pope Leo XIV has long been respected as a bridge-builder within the Church—capable of navigating theological divides while maintaining fidelity to Catholic doctrine.

His election comes after the passing of Pope Francis, who died in April due to ongoing health concerns. The conclave that elected Provost was notable not only for its relatively swift decision—reached after just four ballots—but also for the wide support Prevost reportedly garnered from both progressive and conservative factions within the Church.

A Name with Meaning

The choice of the name Leo XIV is seen as a strong signal of the new pope’s intent to balance tradition with reform. Pope Leo XIII, who reigned from 1878 to 1903, was widely regarded for his advocacy of workers’ rights and his embrace of modern philosophical thought within a framework of Catholic teaching.

Analysts believe Pope Leo XIV will likely continue Francis’s emphasis on pastoral care, climate responsibility, and global dialogue, while also refocusing attention on clergy formation, doctrinal clarity, and institutional transparency.

Looking Ahead

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to celebrate his first Mass as pope this Sunday in St. Peter’s Basilica. His official installation Mass will follow next week, drawing world leaders, religious delegations, and millions of Catholics watching from around the globe.

Already, reactions to his election have poured in from leaders worldwide. U.S. President Emily Grant called the election “a powerful and unifying moment,” while bishops in Africa and Latin America expressed hope that his leadership would further global solidarity within the Church.

Pope Leo XIV now faces the monumental task of shepherding the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics through a time of spiritual searching, social change, and institutional reform.