The College of Cardinals has elected Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American prelate, as the new Pope of the Catholic Church. Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV, is the first American to hold the office. The conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel, concluded on May 8, 2025, with Prevost emerging as the 267th Pope.
The papal conclave began on May 7, 2025, with 133 cardinals participating in the secret election. The cardinals were sequestered in the Sistine Chapel, with black smoke billowing from the chimney indicating that no candidate had received the required majority in the initial rounds of voting. However, on the second day of the conclave, white smoke signaled that a new Pope had been chosen. The crowd in St Peter’s Square is now waiting expectantly for the new Pope to appear on the huge balcony that runs across the front of St Peter’s basilica.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost spent nine years running the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, before being appointed to head the office that vets bishop nominations worldwide. He is also president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Prevost’s experience and vision for the Church likely influenced the cardinals’ decision. As Pope, Prevost will confront difficult decisions about the Church’s direction. He may choose to continue the agenda of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who championed greater inclusion and openness to change.
Some potential successors to Pope Francis shared their visions for the Church, including:
- Pietro Parolin: Emphasizing the importance of internal church affairs and official foreign policy
- Fridolin Ambongo: Advocating for a more conservative approach, opposing same-sex couple blessings
- Luis Antonio Tagle: Championing the poor and vulnerable, in line with Pope Francis’ priorities
- Matteo Zuppi: Focusing on serving the poor and marginalized
Prevost himself noted, “Sometimes the bishop risks focusing only on the local dimension. But a bishop should have a much broader vision of the Church and reality, and experience the universality of the Church”.
The new Pope’s selection marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church, with many looking forward to his leadership and vision for the future. Pope Leo XIV will replace the late Pope Francis, who died last month at the age of 88 due to a cerebral stroke, coma, and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. The late Pope’s death called for a day of mourning on April 21, 2025, and his funeral was held on April 26.
The announcement of Pope Leo XIV was met with cheers and applause from the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square.