A new Pope – Leo XIV and the hope for unity

With the white smoke over the Sistine Chapel on May 8, 2025, history was made : Robert Francis Prevost, a 69- year-old cardinal from Chicago, was elected Pope and from then on bears the name Leo XIV. He is the first American to sit on the Chair of St. Peter.

Pope Leo XIV brings with him impressive international experience : he worked as a missionary and bishop in Peru for over two decades before being called to the Vatican . His election is seen as a bridge between tradition and modernity – a pope who appeals to both conservative and progressive voices within the Church .

His chosen name, Leo XIV, is a tribute to Leo XIII, who was known for his encyclical Rerum Novarum which dealt with workers ' rights .​​​ 

In his first address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of peace and unity in a divided world. He called for building bridges and putting humanity at the center .​​​