By Jones Gadama
In a momentous occasion for the Roman Catholic Church, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney on Thursday, signaling the election of a new pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago-born cardinal, has been chosen as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church and has taken the name Pope Leo XIV. This historic election marks the first time an American has ascended to the throne of St. Peter.
The news was met with jubilation in St. Peter’s Square, where tens of thousands of people had gathered to witness the conclave.
As the smoke appeared, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, with many chanting “Long live the Pope!” French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced the new pope’s election with the traditional Latin words “Habemus Papam” (We have a pope).
Pope Leo XIV, previously known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, brings a fresh perspective to the Church. Born in Chicago and raised in Dolton, a suburb south of the city, Prevost spent most of his career as a missionary in Peru.
He became a cardinal in 2023 and was known for his centrist, pragmatic approach, building a reputation as a man who listens and navigates ideological tensions within the global Church.
In his first public appearance, Pope Leo XIV addressed the crowd in Italian, saying, “Peace be with all of you.” He later switched to Spanish to thank his former diocese in Peru, where he built strong relationships with the local community. The new Pope emphasized the importance of unity and building bridges, stating, “Humanity needs Christ as a bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us, and help each other, build bridges.”
His message was one of continuity with Pope Francis’s emphasis on humility and the global periphery, while also conveying a sense of gentle urgency.
Pope Leo XIV is 69 years old, American with dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship, and previously served as a missionary in Peru, Prior General of the Augustinian Order, and Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
He became a cardinal in 2023 and chose the papal name Pope Leo XIV. He graduated from Villanova University with a degree in mathematics in 1977.
The conclave, which began on Wednesday, saw 133 cardinals from 70 countries gather to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. After two days of voting, the cardinals chose Prevost as the new leader of the Catholic Church.
As the spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics, Pope Leo XIV is expected to bring significant changes to the Church’s approach to global issues, leveraging his experience as a missionary and his connection with the Peruvian community.
Pope Leo XIV’s appointment is seen as a symbolic moment, potentially reshaping how the world sees the American Catholic Church. His election may help rebuild trust between the Vatican and the West, and serve as a moral compass in a time of global polarization.
With his background in philosophy and mathematics, and more than a decade of missionary work in Peru, he brings a global, deeply pastoral outlook to the papacy.
In his message, Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, saying he wanted to deliver his own blessing to the people.
He also expressed gratitude to the cardinals who elected him, stating, “We can all walk together towards that homeland God has prepared for us.”
As the Church embarks on this new chapter, Pope Leo XIV’s leadership will be closely watched by supporters of Pope Francis’s legacy, looking for a successor who will act as a progressive voice, highlighting global climate crisis and the needs of immigrants and the poor.
