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| Pope Leo XIV |
Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected leader of the Catholic Church and the first American to hold the papacy, marked a historic milestone by celebrating his inaugural Mass alongside the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, the 69-year-old cleric spent decades as a missionary and later as Archbishop of Chiclayo in Peru before rising through the Vatican ranks. His election concluded a swift two-day conclave, with white smoke signaling his selection on Thursday evening, May 8, 2025.
Following the Mass, Pope Leo XIV shared a private lunch with the cardinals who elected him, who will soon return to their home countries.
The new pope now faces a challenging agenda, including addressing the Church’s financial issues, ongoing debates about LGBTQ inclusion, the pastoral care of divorced Catholics, and calls to expand women’s roles in Church leadership.
During his first public address, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to his fellow cardinals and the late Pope Francis, emphasizing unity, peace, and justice as guiding principles for his papacy. He also reflected on his missionary work in Peru, underscoring his commitment to a Church that builds bridges and fosters dialogue.
The election of Pope Leo XIV is historic not only because he is the first American pope but also because it reflects the global nature of the Catholic Church.
The conclave involved 133 cardinal electors, the highest number in history, who reached the required two-thirds majority after four ballots.
Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as the new pope appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, delivering his first words: “Peace be with you.” His election and inaugural Mass signal a new chapter for the Catholic Church amid complex contemporary challenges.
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