Cardinal Robert Prevost named Pope Leo XIV

Robert Francis Prevost made history on Thursday as the first pope from the United States, choosing the papal name Leo XIV after being elected leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics by cardinals from across the globe. The announcement came after a secret conclave held in the Vatican, where Prevost was selected on the second day of voting. His election was confirmed with the appearance of white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a new pope had been chosen. The event was marked by jubilant crowds gathering in St. Peter’s Square, eager to catch a glimpse of the new pope. As Prevost stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he waved to the masses, smiled, and offered a blessing, saying, “Peace be with you.” The air was filled with the ringing of bells from St. Peter’s Basilica and churches throughout Rome, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The crowds, many of whom had been waiting for hours, erupted in cheers as they saw the new pope. People from all corners of the globe had come to witness this historic moment, including Joseph Brian, a 39-year-old chef from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Although not particularly religious, Brian expressed the overwhelming excitement he felt being part of such a significant occasion. “Being here with all these people just blew me away,” he said. His sentiment echoed that of many others, as people waved flags, danced, and cheered in celebration. Some even lifted heavy crucifixes and waved Brazilian flags in jubilation. Others, like Bruna Hodara from Brazil, shouted “Habemus Papam!” the traditional declaration made when a new pope is introduced, while recording the moment on their phones. It was clear that for many, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Prevost succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away last month at the age of 88 after a twelve-year papacy marked by reform and compassion. However, Pope Francis’s progressive stance, especially regarding issues like migration and the environment, had led to significant criticism from conservative factions within the Church. Prevost, now tasked with leading the Catholic Church, will inherit the challenge of healing the divisions within the Church while addressing its moral leadership on the global stage. Among the issues that require his attention are the ongoing fallout from the Church’s sexual abuse scandal, which has plagued the institution for decades, and the challenge of reconciling traditional and progressive elements within the faith.

The conclave that elected Prevost was the largest and most international in history, with 133 cardinals representing five continents participating in the voting process. This diverse conclave reflects the global nature of the Catholic Church, with cardinals from 70 different countries casting their votes. Their deliberations were conducted under a vow of secrecy, with only the white smoke signaling the outcome of their deliberations. The election was completed quickly, with the final vote announced just under two days after voting began.

Once elected, the new pope enters the Room of Tears to put on his papal cassock for the first time, a moment of personal reflection before rejoining the cardinals to pledge their allegiance. Prevost’s election comes at a time of significant geopolitical instability, with numerous global conflicts and the rise of ultra-nationalist movements. The cardinals were aware of the challenges ahead and had been urged by Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, to select a pope who could help guide the Church through these turbulent times. There was much debate within the conclave about the qualities the new pope should possess. Some cardinals favored a figure who could continue the progressive path set by Pope Francis, while others sought a leader who would reaffirm traditional Catholic teachings. The cardinals’ decision was influenced not only by the current geopolitical climate but also by the need to address internal challenges within the Church, including declining numbers of priests and diminishing church attendance in the West.

In the days following his election, Prevost will likely embark on a papal tour of St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile, a symbolic gesture of his new role as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. His papal inauguration mass, which usually occurs within a week of the election, will be attended by political and religious leaders from around the world, marking the official start of his pontificate. The challenges awaiting the new pope are vast, but the excitement and anticipation surrounding his election show that the faithful are eager for new leadership in these uncertain times.