Pope Leo XIV, previously Robert Prevost, became the first American elected to be the 267th pope on May 8, 2025.
On Easter Monday, April 21, Pope Francis died at age 88 from a stroke. Cardinal Kevin Farrell from The Vatican says, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis… He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized,” shortly after his shocking death.
The election to choose a new pope is a long and serious process. The cardinals, a majority who were chosen by Pope Francis during his term, elect the new pope. Only Cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote. Out of the 252 cardinals, only 133 remain eligible. USCCB says “Four rounds of ballots are taken every day until a candidate reaches two-thirds of the vote.” If a candidate succeeds, then white smoke will be seen signaling they have chosen a new pope. If a vote is still inclusive then it will blow black smoke signaling that they haven’t chosen a pope yet. Cardinals vote by secret ballot and they take an oath that says the election process must be in secrecy. USCCB goes on to say, “When a cardinal receives the necessary two-thirds vote, the dean of the College of Cardinals asks him if he accepts his election. If he accepts, he chooses a papal name and is dressed in papal vestments before processing out to the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.” Robert Prevost ended up accepting his nomination changing his name to Pope Leo XIV.
(George Martell – Flickr; GM3_2947) (George Martell)
Prevost, Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, was raised and born in Chicago, Illinois. Pope Leo is known for being progressive and believes in helping the poor and embracing marginalized groups, like Francis before him. In 2023, Pope Francis made him a cardinal.
CBS reports that President Trump said, “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!” President Biden also made a statement, saying, “Habemus Papam – May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois. Jill and I congratulate him and wish him success.” Many were surprised that Trump made a statement even after Pope Leo expressed dislike of President Trump.
When Pope Leo XIV changed his name he made it clear that he believes in social justice. EL PAIS says “This signaled that, like his predecessor and close friend Francis, Leo XIV will be a pope for migrants.”BBC reports that Pope Leo plans to spend most of his time working on helping the poor and has supported Pope Francis’ decision to allow women to join the Dicastery for bishops for the first time ever. Many people who have met Pope Leo described him as very outgoing, down to earth, and is very concerned for the poor.
Leo XIV made it clear he believed in the same things as Francis did. Many are excited to see Pope Leo XIV plans for the future and can’t wait to see him as our new pope.
