By Edgar Beltrán, The Pillar – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=165144727 


May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church elects its first American pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago (Pope Leo XVI) after the death of Pope Francis, concluding a 2-day conclave within the Sistine Chapel. Pope Leo XVI offers a unique blend of pastoral care, global experience, and reform-minded leadership to the papacy after his long participation as a missionary and preacher.

Before papacy, Leo XVI served as prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, as well as spending numerous years in Peru and earning admiration for his deep commitment to communities. Following his election, Peruvians celebrated him as their own – Prevost’s Spanish fluency and Latin American culture ties continuity with the legacy of the late Pope Francis who hailed from Argentina.

In his first public address at St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo XVI greeted the world with a message of unity and peace: “Peace be with all of you”, calling for an end to wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan and urging the world to “choose reconciliation over conflict.

Furthermore, Leo XVI also made headlines for modern approaches to communication, reiterating messages of peace that invited followers to pray for him. “May the Lord give us peace, always,” – a simple and powerful message, reflecting his pastoral tone.

Reactions to the results of the conclave have been mostly positive. U.S. President Donald Trump praised the selection, with world leaders such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expected to attend Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration in St. Peter’s Square on May 18.

At a time of global conflict and institutional issues, Pope Leo XIV’s background, humility, and clear moral message present a hopeful view for a new era for the Church and the global community.

ABC News. “Papal Conclave Live Updates: Cardinals Gather at Vatican to Elect New Pope.” ABC News, 8 May 2025, https://abcnews.go.com/International/live-updates/papal-conclave-live-updates-cardinals-gather-vatican-elect/?id=121506573. 

Associated Press. “Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago Becomes First American Pope.” AP News, 8 May 2025, https://apnews.com/live/conclave-pope-catholic-church-updates-5-8-2025. 

Associated Press. “Peru Celebrates Pope Leo XIV, a Former Missionary in Their Country.” AP News, 8 May 2025, https://apnews.com/article/pope-peru-prevost-leo-xiv-00dfcde1f81630a5f8d5fcd6cc5c3b27. 

People Staff. “Pope Leo Shares an Important Message in First Instagram Post.” People, 8 May 2025, https://people.com/pope-leo-shares-important-message-first-instagram-post-11734631. 

Reuters Staff. “Reaction to Cardinal Prevost Becoming Pope Leo XIV, First U.S. Pontiff.” Reuters, 8 May 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/reaction-cardinal-prevost-becoming-pope-leo-xiv-first-us-pontiff-2025-05-08.