After a brief yet thrilling conclave, a plume of white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, May 8, signaling the election of a new pope. The chosen pontiff is none other than Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Leo XIV, making history as the first American to ascend to the papal throne.
Hailing from Chicago and a proud alumnus of Villanova University, Prevost currently serves as the head of the church’s Dicastery for Bishops, where he plays a crucial role in selecting new bishops. Holding dual citizenship in the United States and Peru, the newly elected pope brings a unique perspective to the Vatican.
While Prevost is known for his more conservative beliefs, such as opposing the ordination of women as deacons and maintaining a less progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights compared to his predecessor, Pope Francis, he has also shown compassion and support for Venezuelan immigrants. Described by a fellow priest as “the dignified middle of the road,” Prevost is known not only for his dedication to the church but also for his skills on the tennis court, as revealed in a 2023 interview where he also shared his love for reading, long walks, and travel.
A total of 133 cardinals participated in the rigorous selection process to choose the next leader of the Catholic Church following the passing of Pope Francis. Candidates like Rome’s Matteo Zuppi, Vatican secretary of state Pietro Parolin, and former archbishop of Manila Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle generated significant buzz in Vatican City as potential successors.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church, with believers around the world eagerly anticipating the leadership and direction he will bring to the papacy. Stay tuned for updates on Pope Leo XIV’s initiatives and vision for the future of the church.
