In a significant moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has become Pope Leo XIV, marking the first American pope in history.
Pope Leo XIV Elected in Historic Conclave
Pope Leo XIV Elected in Historic Conclave
Cardinals Elect New Pope as Leo XIV Emerges to Worldwide Celebration
May 8, 2025, marked a day of jubilation as Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Square, officially taking the helm as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The moment was heralded by the comforting sight of white smoke rising from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel at approximately 6 p.m., indicating that the cardinals had reached a decision on Pope Francis’ successor.
Dressed in the iconic vestments of the papacy, Leo XIV, previously a cardinal, breaks new ground as the first pope hailing from the United States. His election follows a conclave that lasted just over 24 hours, a relatively swift process despite the fact that it included a record number of over 130 voting-age cardinals, many appointed by the late Pope Francis.
The church now stands at a crossroads, confronting fundamental questions regarding the potential continuation of Francis's reformist agenda versus a return to traditional conservatism. Supporters of Leo XIV presented him as a moderate figure capable of bridging these divergent perspectives. As excitement filled the air, crowds stretching from St. Peter’s Square to the Tiber River shared in a unified moment of celebration.
“Habemus Papa,” which translates to “we have a pope,” was declared before Leo XIV made his much-anticipated appearance, as throngs of onlookers expressed their joy and curiosity for this new pontificate. The sight of the Swiss Guards, bell tolling in the backdrop, and a sea of jubilant faces underscored the historic significance of this occasion for Catholicism's 1.4 billion members worldwide.
As Leo XIV embarks on this new journey, the implications of his leadership will undoubtedly resonate throughout the global church community.
Dressed in the iconic vestments of the papacy, Leo XIV, previously a cardinal, breaks new ground as the first pope hailing from the United States. His election follows a conclave that lasted just over 24 hours, a relatively swift process despite the fact that it included a record number of over 130 voting-age cardinals, many appointed by the late Pope Francis.
The church now stands at a crossroads, confronting fundamental questions regarding the potential continuation of Francis's reformist agenda versus a return to traditional conservatism. Supporters of Leo XIV presented him as a moderate figure capable of bridging these divergent perspectives. As excitement filled the air, crowds stretching from St. Peter’s Square to the Tiber River shared in a unified moment of celebration.
“Habemus Papa,” which translates to “we have a pope,” was declared before Leo XIV made his much-anticipated appearance, as throngs of onlookers expressed their joy and curiosity for this new pontificate. The sight of the Swiss Guards, bell tolling in the backdrop, and a sea of jubilant faces underscored the historic significance of this occasion for Catholicism's 1.4 billion members worldwide.
As Leo XIV embarks on this new journey, the implications of his leadership will undoubtedly resonate throughout the global church community.
