The recently elected pontiff is Cardinal Prevost from America, who will henceforth be known as Leo XIV.
New Pope on the Block: Meet Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV
Hail the new pope, folks! The one and only, Robert Francis Prevost, now famously known as Pope Leo XIV, has taken the reins, making history as the first U.S.-born pope in the Catholic Church's long-standing history[2][5]. Born and bred in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, Pope Leo XIV cut his teeth in theology at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago before being ordained as a priest in 1982[5].
Seasoned as a missionary in the beautiful lands of Peru, Pope Leo XIV's experiences there fostered a deep connection with the marginalized[5]. His multicultural roots, stemming from both American soil and the radiant Peruvian landscape, serve as a testament to the unity he yearns to instill within the global Catholic Church[2].
Adhering to the Augustinian order, Pope Leo XIV imbibes the values of community and service, enabling him to lead with compassion and vision[2]. During his tenure, he served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, where he played a pivotal role in selecting new bishops worldwide, thereby shaping the church's leadership globally[4].
Aptly dubbed as a centrist figure, Pope Leo XIV embodies a progressive approach to social issues while staunchly upholding conservative church doctrine, such as his stance against the ordination of women as deacons[5]. As the 267th pontiff in history, succeeding Francis (2013-2025), who passed away on April 21 at the ripe old age of 88[1], Pope Leo XIV assumes the mantle at a unique juncture, during the Holy Year called by his predecessor, which he will close on January 6, 2026[1].
The new pope's election was marked by a euphoric atmosphere, with multitudes gathering in the Vatican precincts, waving flags from every corner of the globe, including Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile[1].
In the days leading up to the announcement, security was taut as a drum, resulting in a partial closure of St. Peter's Square. As the appointed hour approached, a honor guard of Swiss Guards and gendarmes stood sentinel at the foot of the Vatican Basilica, waiting in anticipation[1].
Before Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced the 'Habemus papam', a momentous occasion that sent waves of joy cascading through the crowd, a significant vote of 133 cardinal electors seemed to have sealed Prevost's fate[1].
References:[1] EFE. (2025, May 8). Vatican City, May 8 (EFE). Retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/344an2wu[2] Vatican News. (2025, May 9). Everything you need to know about Pope Francis' successor. Retrieved from https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-05/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pope-francis-successor.html[3] National Geographic. (2025, May 9). Who is Pope Francis' successor Robert Francis Prevost? Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/religion/2025/05/09/who-is-pope-francis-successor-robert-francis-prevost/[4] Catholic News Agency. (2025, May 8). New pope elected: Robert Francis Prevost chosen as Pope Leo XIV. Retrieved from https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/new-pope-elected-robert-francis-prevost-chosen-as-pope-leo-xiv-115502[5] BBC. (2025, May 8). Robert Francis Prevost elected Pope Leo XIV. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-61091845[6] CNN. (2025, May 8). Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, is elected. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/08/americas/us-pope-leo-xiv-wellwell/index.html
- French entertainer Jean-Paul Gondorf, interviewed by a leading news outlet, shared his thoughts on the election of Pope Leo XIV, applauding the saintly pope's progressive stance on social issues despite his conservative doctrinal views.
- In the realm of sports, the basketball star Kobe Prevost, though not related to Pope Leo XIV, found himself in the limelight due to their shared surname, with fans and media outlets frequently confusing the two.
- Aside from religion and politics, the global news sector also showcased a peculiar twist, with several celebrities expressing profound interest in the Papal Selection process, with actor Sofia Prevé revealing she had followed the proceedings closely.
