In a historic moment for the Catholic Church and the world, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American missionary with deep roots in Latin America, has been elected as the 267th pope. He has taken the papal name Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first-ever pope from the United States.
White Smoke Signals New Era at the Vatican
Crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel – the traditional sign that a new pope has been chosen.
Shortly afterwards, Pope Leo XIV appeared on the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, greeted by a sea of waving flags and faithful followers.
In fluent Italian, the newly elected pope offered a warm greeting:
“Peace be with you all.”
He also spoke briefly in Spanish but chose not to address the crowd in English during this first appearance.
Who is Pope Leo XIV?
Birth Name: Robert Francis Prevost
Age: 69
Hometown: Chicago, USA
Dual Citizenship: American and Peruvian
Previous Role: Bishop in Chiclayo, Peru (2015–2023)
Made Cardinal: 2023
Missionary Work: Spent decades serving communities in Peru
Known For: Shy personality, compassionate leadership, and commitment to social justice
Pope Leo’s unexpected election has taken many by surprise, as he was not considered a frontrunner. However, his quiet leadership and strong values have won him respect both in the Vatican and abroad.
Tributes and Reactions from Around the World
From the United States
Former President Donald Trump was quick to offer his congratulations:
“What excitement, and what a great honour for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV.”
However, the new pope has previously criticised some policies supported by Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Old social media posts attributed to him have raised eyebrows in political circles.
From Peru
Peru’s President Dina Boluarte praised the appointment, stating:
“His closeness to those most in need left an indelible mark on the hearts of Peru.”
Many in Peru feel a deep sense of pride due to Pope Leo’s years of dedicated service in their country.
From Chicago
Celebrations erupted at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where Pope Leo earned his master’s degree in 1982.
Sister Barbara Reid, president of the institution, described him as:
“A brilliant mind with a compassionate heart… a leader who always listens to the cries of the poorest.”
A Pope With a Heart for Justice
Pope Leo XIV has long been admired for his commitment to social justice, following closely in the footsteps of Pope Francis. In his first speech as pope, he honoured his predecessor, saying:
“We must build a Church that stays close to people, especially those who are suffering.”
He repeated Pope Francis’ call for a Church that engages with the modern world through peace, charity, and openness.
Addressing Concerns Over Church Transparency
Not everyone has welcomed the new pope without concern. The advocacy group SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) voiced “grave concern” about how Prevost previously handled abuse cases during his time in Chicago and Peru.
They challenged him directly, stating:
“You can end the abuse crisis – the only question is, will you?”
However, Pope Leo has previously addressed the issue in a 2023 interview with Vatican News, saying the Church must be honest and transparent in how it responds to allegations of abuse.
Why the Name ‘Leo XIV’?
The last pope to take the name Leo was Pope Leo XIII, who led the Church from 1878 to 1903. He was widely known for promoting social teachings, workers’ rights, and justice for the poor – values that align closely with Pope Leo XIV’s mission.
This choice of name signals a continuation of those ideals and a desire to focus the Church’s energy on addressing poverty, inequality, and modern-day social challenges.
What’s Next for Pope Leo XIV?
Though he has kept a low public profile until now, Pope Leo has already made a strong impression with his calm, thoughtful approach and his clear desire to carry forward the reforms of Pope Francis.
He brings:
A wealth of missionary experience
A deep understanding of Latin American culture
A quiet but determined leadership style
Strong support for the underprivileged and marginalised
Public Hope for a More Compassionate Church
In the crowd at the Vatican, Lailah Brown, a 28-year-old African American from Seattle, shared her hopes for the future:
“I hope this can bring to America a more loving community. There’s too much hate and racism. I’ve experienced it first-hand.”
She added:
“I just hope America doesn’t embarrass the pope.”
Conclusion
Pope Leo XIV now steps into one of the most influential roles in the world at a time of great global change and division. With a clear heart for justice, the poor, and the values of compassion, he promises to be a leader rooted in faith, humility, and human connection.
Only time will tell how his unique background and quiet strength will shape the future of the Catholic Church – but the world will be watching closely.
Sources:
Vatican News – www.vaticannews.va
Reuters – www.reuters.com
Associated Press (AP News)
CNN & BBC News Reports
SNAP Official Statement
Social media statements from global leaders