On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church made history. The election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has become the new pope. His name of significance is Pope Leo XIV. This is an important historical moment because this is the first American-born pope throughout its 2,000 year history.
Pope Leo XIV is from Chicago and 69 years old. He is a member of the Augustinian order that was chosen by the College of Cardinals. This happened on the second day of the conclave. This moment is history follows the tragedy of Pope Francis’s death on April 21, 2025.
Pope Leo XIV’s election was announced by the traditional white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel. The purpose of his name Leo XIV, is significant because it aligns Pope Leo XIII who advocated for workers’ rights and social justice. This name choice tells us as outsiders that most likely Pope Leo XIV will continue Pope Francis’s belief in economic equity, inclusivity of the LGBTQ Catholic Community, etc…
Pope Leo XIV has a unique blend of American roots, Latin American pastoral experience, and Vatican leadership pastoral experience, etc…
This is a turning point in the Catholic Church and we all hope Pope Leo XIV will navigate through this new position amazingly.
