History was made on May 8, 2025, as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first American to hold the papacy. Adopting the name Pope Leo XIV, his election marks a moment of transformation and continuity for the Church, which now shepherds over 1.4 billion faithful across the globe.
A crowd of tens of thousands filled St. Peter’s Square, erupting into cheers as the white smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel. When Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he greeted the jubilant crowd with a warm smile, a double wave, and a humble bow—symbols of both approachability and reverence.
Known for his moderate stance and deep pastoral experience, Leo XIV brings a legacy of bridge-building to the Vatican. His long service as a missionary in Peru and his close alignment with Pope Francis suggest that his leadership will continue the themes of outreach, social justice, and compassion that have defined recent papacies.
Cardinal Prevost’s election came after a relatively brief conclave, reflecting a strong consensus among the College of Cardinals. His blend of American pragmatism and Latin American empathy presents a unique profile for a pontiff at a time when the Church is navigating global instability, internal polarization, and urgent calls for reform.
As he begins his papacy, Pope Leo XIV is expected to focus on healing divisions within the Church, renewing its moral authority, and amplifying its voice on global issues such as poverty, migration, and climate change.
The world now watches with hope as a new chapter begins under Pope Leo XIV—an era shaped by continuity, inclusion, and renewed spiritual leadership.