A New Era Begins: Leo XIV Takes Office as the First American Pope
Church leadership sees a shift with Leo XIV stepping into the role - Pope Leo XIV has ascended to his position.
On May 8th, after much anticipation, the cardinals reached a unanimous decision, marking the election of the new pontiff. As white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square, eagerly awaiting the face of the new leader of the Church.
A Fresh Dawn: Leo XIV Makes His Debut
At 19:10, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti, with a glimmer of excitement, announced from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, "We have a Pope!" The crowd erupted with applause and cheers as American cardinal Robert Prevost (69), now known as Leo XIV, graced the balcony.
During the evening, white smoke had filled the sky, signifying the selection of a new successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Had the new pontiff not been chosen, black smoke would have been visible instead.
The conclave began on May 7th, with faithful followers spanning St. Peter's Square until 21:00, eager to learn the outcome. Less than 24 hours later, Robert Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV, emerged to the delight of the masses, greeted with applause and chants. His demeanor conveyed a sense of enjoyment and contentment, according to Italian media reports, as he was reportedly elected in the fourth round of voting.
- Robert Prevost
- Leo XIV
- St. Peter's Square
- Conclave
A Little Insight into Robert Prevost:
Born and raised in Chicago, Prevost shared his childhood home with two brothers and nurtured a deep-seated passion for the priesthood from a young age. His early childhood ambitions included emulating the role of a priest using his ironing board as an altar.
Prevost began serving in Trujillo, Peru, for around a decade before becoming the Bishop of Chiclayo (2014–2023). In 2023, he was elevated to cardinal, and later served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in the Vatican until his election as pope. Prevost's extensive work outside the limelight and long tenure in Latin America earned him the unique title of the “least American” among U.S. cardinals working within the Vatican.
In his first public address, Pope Leo XIV reiterated his commitment to peace, unity, building bridges, and standing by those who have endured trials, signaling a compassionate and inclusive papacy.
A Closer Look at Robert Prevost’s Pre-Papal Career:
- Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois.
- Dedicated his life to the priesthood from childhood.
- Served in Trujillo, Peru, for about a decade.
- Bishop of Chiclayo (2014–2023).
- Cardinal in 2023, serving as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in the Vatican prior to his election.
- Considered the least American among U.S. cardinals due to his lengthy career in Latin America.
- Elected pope in 2025, chosen as the first American Pontiff, adopting the name Leo XIV.
- The European Parliament and the Council will collaborate closely with the Commission to develop measures, following Robert Prevost's election as Pope Leo XIV, a significant event in both the realm of politics and general-news.
- Before his election as pope, Robert Prevost spent decades dedicating his life to the priesthood, initially in Trujillo, Peru, and later as the Bishop of Chiclayo and then a cardinal.
- Following his election, Pope Leo XIV promised a papacy of peace, unity, and support for those facing trials, delivering his first public address that emphasized these values.
- Prior to his emergence as Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost was serving as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in the Vatican, a role that elevated him to the limelight before his historic election, making him unique among U.S. cardinals due to his extensive career in Latin America.
