CARDINAL Robert Francis Prevost made history on May 8, 2025, becoming the first pope from the United States.
Chosen by 133 cardinal electors, he emerged as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the papal name Leo XIV.
A wave of emotion swept St. Peter’s Square as tens of thousands of faithful erupted in cheers when white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signaling a successful vote.
Moments later, bells rang across Rome as Prevost stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, smiling and waving.
“Peace be with you,” he told the jubilant crowd.
The historic moment drew people from around the world. Some waved flags, others cried with joy, and many captured the scene on their phones as chants of “Viva il Papa!” filled the air.
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away last month at age 88 after a 12-year papacy marked by progressive reforms and controversy.
The new pontiff inherits a Church grappling with internal divisions and ongoing abuse scandals, alongside global crises requiring strong moral leadership.
Despite the enthusiasm, the secrecy surrounding the conclave drew criticism. The absence of transparency—voting behind closed doors, silence enforced under penalty of excommunication—has raised concerns that the process silences the broader voice of the Catholic community.
Still, the swift election, concluded in under two days, points to a consensus among the electors. Pope Leo XIV now faces the immense task of guiding the global Church through complex moral, political, and spiritual challenges.