In a historic turn for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Leo XIV. The announcement came on May 8, when white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signalling that the 133 cardinals in conclave had made their decision.
This marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV has a long record of missionary work in Latin America, most notably in Peru, where he served as Bishop of Chiclayo. In 2023, he was appointed Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the global appointment of church leaders.
His election is seen as a continuation of the reforms initiated by Pope Francis. In his first Urbi et Orbi blessing, Pope Leo XIV called for unity, peace, and renewed dialogue between cultures, saying: “Peace be with you all.” The tone of his message signalled a papacy focused on inclusion, social justice, and global responsibility.
As the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV begins his leadership at a time when the Church is navigating challenges of secularisation, internal reform, and geopolitical tension. His global outlook and pastoral experience are seen as vital assets in this new chapter.
