A New Chapter Begins: Pope Leo XIV Takes the Helm
United States native Robert Francis Prevost has assumed the position of Pope Leo XIV. - U.S. resident Robert Francis Prevost has been appointed as the new Pope Leo XIV.
Gather 'round, folks! The 133 cardinals have chosen a new supreme leader for the Catholic Church - someone who's been close to our very own Pope Francis before his departure. Meet the man now known as Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost.
Say "Habemus papam," and the Protodeacon of the College of Cardinals, Dominique Mamberti, announced the big news to the crowd in St. Peter's Square on that fateful day. They erupted in cheers after the brief pause, and not long after, our new Pope came out on that balcony to address the masses. His message? Build bridges through dialogue and extend an appeal for peace to all peoples.
The global response has been overwhelming. US President Donald Trump was among the first to congratulate, calling the election a "great honor" for the United States. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier weren't far behind, voicing their excitement about Leo XIV's election.
Facts worth knowing: Born in Chicago, USA, Robert Francis Prevost also holds Peruvian citizenship thanks to his extensive missionary work in the country. The Chair of the Catholic German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, called the election "excellent," praising Leo XIV as a bridge-builder. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed hope for the Pope's support for Ukraine.
Now, Leo XIV is set to celebrate his first Mass as the head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics on Friday morning with cardinals in the Sistine Chapel and meet with representatives of the press in the Vatican on Monday morning.
With tests and trials facing the Catholic Church - including wars and conflicts around the world, as well as issues concerning sexual abuse, the role of women and homosexuals, celibacy, and the shortage of priests - Leo XIV is stepping up to the plate. Fingers crossed, this Augustinian Pope will bring the same wisdom, dedication, and passion he's shown throughout his career to this role.
- Pope Leo XIV
- Robert Francis Prevost
- USA
- Vatican
- St. Peter's Square
- Francis Prevost
- Friedrich Merz
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Ukraine
- Pope Francis
- Dominique Mamberti
- US President
- Donald Trump
- CDU
- Federal President
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier
- Germany
Fun fact: Pope Leo XIV was actually born on September 14, 1955, to a family with diverse European roots. His father, Louis Marius Prevost, hailed from France and Italy, while his mother, Mildred Martínez, traced her lineage back to Spain. Now, he finds himself leading a global faith with a membership of over 1.4 billion souls! Wow!
- Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, hails from the United States but also holds Peruvian citizenship due to his missionary work.
- Following the announcement in St. Peter's Square, US President Donald Trump was among the first to congratulate Pope Leo XIV, praising the election as a great honor for the United States.
- Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also voiced their excitement about Pope Leo XIV's election, signifying the global response to the new Pontiff's selection.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed hope for Pope Leo XIV's support for Ukraine, addressing the challenges andtests the Catholic Church faces, including conflicts and issues like sexual abuse, the role of women and homosexuals, celibacy, and the shortage of priests.
