The Catholic Church got a new leader – Pope Leo XIV. He was elected on May 8, 2025, in the fourth round of voting at the conclave held at the Vatican. The new pope is the former prefect of the Dicastery for bishops, the American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who thus became the 267th bishop of Rome and the first pope from the United States of America, as well as the first pope with Peruvian citizenship and from the Order of Saint Augustine.
Election process and announcements
The conclave was attended by 133 cardinals from all over the world. White smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel appeared at 6:07 p.m., marking the election of the new pope.
Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced from the box of the Basilica of St. Peter:
“Habemus Papam! Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum, Dominum Robertum Franciscum, Sanctæ Romanæ Ecclesiæ Cardinalem Prevost, qui sibi nomen imposuit Leo XIV.”
More than 100,000 worshipers at Trg sv. Peter was welcomed by the new pope with enthusiasm and applause.
The first messages of Pope Leo XIV.
In his first address to the crowd, Pope Leo XIV stressed the importance of peace and unity:
May peace be with you all! Brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Jesus, who gave his life for the flock of God. I want this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, reach your families, reach all people, wherever they are, to all nations, to the whole earth. Peace! May peace be with you!
He also emphasized the continuity with the pontificate of Pope Francis, stressing the importance of building bridges, dialogue, and serving the Church and the world.
Who is Pope Leo XIV?
Name and Origin: Robert Francis Prevost, born September 14, 1955, in Chicago, USA.
Religious affiliation: Order of St. Augustine (OSA).
Career: He worked for a long time in Peru as a pastor, bishop, and teacher, serving as General of the Order of Saint Augustine, Bishop of Chiclayo, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Special features: The first pope from North America and the first from the Order of St. Augustine. Known for advocating for peace, unity, and dialogue in the Church.
Symbolism and style
Pope Leo XIV. already in the first days of his pontificate, he demonstrated a preference for traditional papal clothing and symbols, reintroducing the splendor and elements of the classical liturgy, which sparked interest among both believers and church observers. His choice of the name “Lion” (Leo) is reminiscent of famous popes from history, especially Leo XIII. and Leo the Great
Reactions and significance
Choice of Leo XIV. it was met with great interest and positive reactions around the world, mainly because of its American and Latin American origins and its emphasis on peace and unity. It is expected that his pontificate will bring the continuation of reforms, as well as the strengthening of traditional elements in the Church.
Election of Pope Leo XIV. marks the beginning of a new era for the Catholic Church, with an emphasis on peace, tradition, and global unity of believers.
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