On May 8, 2025, white smoke billowed over the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope: Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old cardinal from Chicago, now known as Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American to ascend to the papacy.
Pope Leo XIV brings extensive international experience, having served over two decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru before his Vatican appointment. His election is seen as a bridge between tradition and modernity—a pope who resonates with both conservative and progressive voices within the Church.
His chosen name, Leo XIV, pays homage to Leo XIII, renowned for his encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed workers' rights.
In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of peace and unity in a divided world. He called for building bridges and placing humanity at the center.
Pope Leo XIV's election marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church, symbolizing a commitment to unity and social justice. His background and experiences suggest a papacy that values tradition while embracing the challenges of the modern world.