NEW POPE LEO XIV

On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church elected its 267th pope: Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old cardinal from Chicago, who chose the papal name Leo XIV. This historic election marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy, and also the first time a member of the Augustinian order has held the role. Pope Leo XIV holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru, reflecting his deep ties to both nations.CBS News+18Axios+18Time+18Huron Daily Tribune+3Time+3couriermail+3AP News+7The Guardian+7Wikipedia+7

A Life of Mission and Service

Born in 1955, Pope Leo XIV spent over two decades in Peru as a missionary and bishop, particularly in the city of Chiclayo, where he is still revered as a spiritual leader. His pastoral work focused on social justice, community development, and advocacy for workers’ rights. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, roles that elevated his profile within the Vatican. Huron Daily Tribune+3The Guardian+3AP News+3Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre+2Wikipedia+2People.com+2

A Symbolic Name

By choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pope pays homage to Pope Leo XIII, known for his landmark 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed the rights of workers and the role of the Church in social issues. This choice signals Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to continuing the Church’s engagement with contemporary social challenges. AP Newscouriermail+1Huron Daily Tribune+1

First Words and Vision

Emerging onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the world with, “Peace be with all of you!” He expressed gratitude to his fellow cardinals and to his former diocese in Peru, and honored the legacy of Pope Francis. In his first Mass, celebrated in the Sistine Chapel, he emphasized the Church’s role as a beacon in a world facing spiritual and moral challenges. People.com+13Vatican News+13Reuters+13AP News+6NPR+6The Guardian+6Wikipedia+1Reuters+1

Global Reactions

The election of Pope Leo XIV has been met with widespread acclaim. Catholics in the United States and Peru have expressed pride and hope, seeing his papacy as a bridge between cultures. World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama, have extended their congratulations. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, also welcomed the new pope’s election. AP News+3Wikipedia+3Huron Daily Tribune+3The GuardianAP News

A Papacy of Continuity and Renewal

Pope Leo XIV is viewed as a centrist and a unifying figure, expected to continue Pope Francis’s emphasis on social justice and inclusion. His background in Latin America and his commitment to addressing modern challenges position him to lead the Church with both compassion and resolve. As the first American pope, his leadership marks a new chapter in the Church’s global presence.People.com