Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of Roman Catholic Church, made history this month as first US-born pope and the first from the Augustinian order. Born as Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, his election on May 8, 2025, followed a swift two-day conclave of four ballots, one of the shortest in modern history.
The conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, brought together 133 cardinals from across the world to choose the successor to Pope Francis, who died in April following recent illnesses.
Discussions among the cardinals reportedly focused on addressing global challenges like secularism, church reform, and outreach to marginalized communities. Prevost’s extensive experience as a missionary in Peru, coupled with his Vatican roles, including leadership in the Dicastery for Bishops, positioned him as a unifying figure capable of bridging the divide between the more traditionalist conservative bloc and the more liberal bloc aligned with Pope Francis. Prevost was seen as close to Pope Francis and somewhat liberal-leaning, though a more moderate choice overall compared to other cardinals rumored to be contenders for pope.
Upon appearing on St. Peter’s Basilica’s balcony, Pope Leo XIV greeted the onlookers in Vatican City, delivering his address in fluent Italian and Spanish. He thanked the late Pope Francis and reflected on his nearly two decades in Peru, where he most recently served as Bishop of Chiclayo.
In his first weeks as pope, Leo XIV celebrated Mass in the Sistine Chapel, urged Church unity, prayed for war victims, and took possession of St. John Lateran. He met key cardinals to address abuse reform and Vatican finances, emphasizing mercy and human dignity.
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