After an unsuccessful first day of voting, white smoke was seen coming out of the Sistine Chapel on the second day of voting. On Thursday, May 8, 2025, a new pope was elected. Cardinal Robert Prevost is a US-born 69-year-old from Chicago. He became the 267th pope and chose the name of Leo XIV.
Popes often choose a name inspired by a previous saint or pope that they admire. Leo XIV chose his name to honor the late Pope Leo XIII, who reigned from 1878 to 1903.
According to CNBC, this could signify a connection to the social teachings of the Church and demonstrate a commitment to addressing contemporary challenges, ranging from artificial intelligence to social justice.
His first words to the cheering crowd from the St. Peter’s Basilica balcony were “Peace be with you all.”
The new Pope’s American origin has surprised many and leaves people wondering what this means for catholicism.
Boston Archbishop Richard G. Henning said that he was “surprised but not shocked to see the election of the first American-born pope,” and “the new pope’s address spoke of synodality, humility, and caring for the poor, all hallmarks of Pope Francis’s ministry.”
According to the BBC, not much is known about Pope Leo’s political leanings. However, he has expressed concern for the poor and immigrants. This could mean he is more likely to sway to the left side of the scale and reference more liberal church leadership.
Pope Leo served as a missionary for many years in Chiclayo, Peru. He obtained Peruvian citizenship and was seen as ‘one of their own’ by the people of Chiclayo. Beginning as a missionary, he was appointed as a bishop by the late Pope Francis and served as a bishop from 2014 to 2023 in Chiclayo.
Terrence Donilon, Secretary for Communications & Public Affairs for the Archdiocese of Boston, believes that “Pope Leo is a historic figure as the first American to become pope (who also has resided in Peru for many years),” and that “In a turbulent world he wants to bring attention to the dangers of AI (artificial intelligence) and its impact on the dignity of all people.”
Pope Leo was eventually appointed as a member of the Congregation for Clergy and the Congregation for Bishops. On January 30, 2023, he was promoted to the rank of Archbishop and called back to Rome. That same year, he was created a Cardinal in the Consistory.
Cardinal Sean O’Malley said that “God in his providence has given us Pope LeoXIV to lead us on this journey of hope,” and he also added that all of his past experiences will “provide preparation for his new ministry as Pope.”
The new Pope has piqued the interest of many.
Archbishop Hennin said that he believed that the Pope is a man of the church, and he will now serve in an even deeper way. He is eager to see what other gifts he will bring from his experience and personality.
Terrence Donilon, the Secretary for Communications & Public Affairs for the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston, added that “Pope Leo XIV is a gift to the Church and wider world community. He is a man of peace who seeks unity and hope worldwide. His first words to the world were ‘peace be with you all.”
Overall, it appears that the new pope is making a positive impression on many, inspiring hope that his influence will bring widespread good. He has expressed a commitment to promoting peace for all, and many are optimistic about seeing him follow through on this promise.
