Vatican City: In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney at during the second day's afternoon vote, signaling the election of a new pope. Later, Cardinal Robert Prevost was introduced as Pope Leo XIV to a cheering crowd of more than 100,000 gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
"Peace be with you all," the new pontiff began, offering a heartfelt greeting aimed at resonating with people across the globe. He paid tribute to his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at age 88, acknowledging his courage and gentle voice.
In his first address, Pope Leo XIV also emphasized his spiritual heritage as an Augustinian, quoting the words of Saint Augustine: “With you I am a Christian, for you I am a bishop.” He urged unity and a shared journey of faith among believers.
Originally from Chicago, the 69-year-old Prevost holds dual citizenship with Peru, where he spent many years as a missionary and later as archbishop of Chiclayo. He was twice elected the global leader of the Augustinian order and earned a strong reputation for his leadership and humility. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him head of the Vatican's influential department responsible for selecting bishops, granting him a key role in shaping the future leadership of the Church.
Prevost’s selection surprised some observers, especially given longstanding resistance to electing an American pope, due to concerns about U.S. dominance in world affairs. However, his close ties to Latin America and modest public profile in Rome helped make him a viable consensus candidate.
He was also instrumental in implementing some of Pope Francis’s more progressive reforms, such as integrating women into decision-making bodies within the Church. Yet, his views are a blend of moderation and doctrinal conservatism. Pope Leo XIV supports environmental activism and responsible technology use, echoing Pope Francis’s climate advocacy. At the same time, he maintains firm positions against abortion and the ordination of women as deacons.
While he has not spoken extensively on LGBTQ+ issues, past comments suggest a more traditional stance than Pope Francis, who had championed greater inclusion. In 2012, Prevost criticized media portrayals of what he called the “homosexual lifestyle,” a contrast to Pope Francis’s condemnation of anti-LGBTQ+ laws and his outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics.
Though not seen as a frontrunner before the conclave, Pope Leo XIV now begins his papacy with a reputation for pastoral sensitivity, deep spiritual grounding, and cautious reform. His leadership is expected to continue many of Francis’s initiatives while maintaining a traditional approach to doctrine.
