In a historic move, the Catholic Church has elected its first American pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV. His election on May 8, 2025, marks a significant moment for the Church, reflecting a blend of tradition and a nod to the evolving global landscape of Catholicism.
Born in Chicago in 1955, Robert Prevost’s journey to the papacy is rooted in decades of missionary work and pastoral leadership. He spent over two decades in Peru, ministering to marginalised communities, which earned him the nickname “Latin Yankee” in Rome. His deep ties to Latin America and commitment to social justice have shaped his approach to leadership within the Church.
Choosing the name Pope Leo XIV, Prevost aligns himself with Pope Leo XIII, known for his advocacy for workers’ rights and social justice. This choice signals a continuation of the Church’s focus on addressing contemporary social issues and upholding the dignity of labour.
In his first mass as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV addressed the challenges of modern society, lamenting the prioritisation of “technology, money, and success” over spiritual values. He emphasised the need for the Church to be “a beacon to illuminate dark nights,” urging a return to core Christian principles.
Pope Leo XIV’s views on contentious issues such as gender and life matters are rooted in traditional Catholic teachings. While he upholds the Church’s stance on these topics, he also emphasises compassion and dialogue, reflecting a pastoral approach to leadership.
The new pope’s election has garnered attention from global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed hopes for building bridges with the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV’s background and leadership style suggest a commitment to fostering unity within the Church and engaging constructively with the broader world.
The Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also had something to say about Pope Leo XIV: “Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!”
In a statement, Hamas said, “We congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his election as the head of the Catholic Church and look forward to his continuation of the late Pope’s path in supporting the oppressed and rejecting the genocide in Gaza.”
Miles away in Russia, President Vladimir Putin also wished the new pope well. “Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your election as Pope. I am confident that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop based on the Christian values that unite us,” he said.
While retracing the roots of Pope Leo XIV, the Colombian President Gustavo Petro said, “The new Pope, Leo XIV, is more than just an American. His immediate ancestors are Latin: Spanish and French, and he lived 40 years in our Latin America, in Peru. May he help us build the great force of humanity that defends life, and defeat the greed that has caused the climate crisis and the extinction of living things.”
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, the Catholic Church stands at a crossroads, balancing tradition with the demands of a rapidly changing world. His leadership will be instrumental in guiding the Church through these complex times, with a focus on compassion, justice, and spiritual renewal.