New Roman Catholic Church Leader Un Veiled: Learn About Leo XIV, the Freshly Appointed Successor
In a historical turn of events, after four attempts spanning two days, the Catholic Church's newest leader has been elected. Hailing from the States, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevo, known henceforth as Pope Leo XIV, takes the reins. This makes him the first American to head the Roman Catholic Church, breaking new ground in Vatican history.
Born in the Windy City in 1955, Pope Leo XIV boasts an impressive educational background. He obtained his bachelor's degree in mathematics from Villanova University in 1977, followed by a master's degree in theology. Interestingly, his journey into the clergy began with the Augustinian order, which he joined in the same year he graduated from Villanova.
Pope Leo XIV was ordained a priest in Rome in 1982, marking the start of his illustrious career within the Church. He rose through the ranks, being appointed Bishop of Chiclayo (Peru) by Pope Francis in 2014 and elevated to the position of cardinal in 2023. In February 2025, Francis elevated him to the rank of cardinal-bishop.
Known for his moderate stance, Pope Leo XIV advocates for the Church's increased role in social issues, such as supporting the impoverished and migrants. He also champions the expansion of roles for laypeople and women within the Church's structures. However, he unwaveringly upholds traditional views on moral theology.
Pope Francis, who assumed the papacy on March 13, 2013, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death prompted a conclave, which began on the evening of May 7 and lasted approximately a day.
For more details on the election process, hop on over to our website and check out our photo report on the electing of Pope Leo XIV. Don't forget to subscribe for updates on the Roman Catholic Church.
Diving Deeper:
Electing a new Pope involves several stages, whether it's for Pope Leo XIV or any other successor. Pre-Conclave Discussions typically occur, during which cardinals gather to discuss potential candidates and the Church's current state. Cardinals then enter the Sistine Chapel, where they take an oath of secrecy and vote for their preferred candidate.
The voting process unfolds twice daily until a two-thirds majority is achieved. Once a candidate secures enough votes, they are asked to accept the position and choose their papal name. The new Pope's name is then announced from a window overlooking St. Peter's Square.
The Vatican's apostolic constitution, Universi Dominici Gregis, governs the election process and mandates a two-thirds majority for election. Only cardinals present at the conclave participate in voting, with currently 135 eligible cardinals under 80 years old. The election process is designed to ensure secrecy and consensus among the electing cardinals.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevo, now Pope Leo XIV, was elected through a traditional and closely guarded process that involved pre-conclave discussions among the cardinals, secret votes in the Sistine Chapel, and a two-thirds majority to secure the position. His election as the first American pope in history makes him a groundbreaking figure in Vatican history. As he champions stronger roles for laypeople and women within the Church, his papacy promises to focus on social issues such as supporting the impoverished and migrants, all while maintaining traditional views on moral theology. His devotion to these causes is expected to impact the sports world, including sports-betting and sports-analysis, as he advocates for the Church's increased engagement in modern society.
