In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected as the 266th Pope, taking the papal name Leo XIV. Aged 69 and formerly serving as the Cardinal of Chicago, he is the first American to ever hold the papacy. White smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling his election to the world. In his first public blessing, Pope Leo XIV expressed humility and hope, sharing that he would like to be known simply as Leo.
This election marks a significant milestone for the Church and for American Catholics. The Vatican noted that until now, no pope had ever come from the United States. On May 8th, during the conclave of cardinals, the Church chose one of their own from Chicago to become the Bishop of Rome and spiritual leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Many saw this moment as long-awaited. It is speculated that American leaders, including former President Donald Trump, who had often spoken of strong moral leadership and expressed admiration for Pope Francis, may welcome this election warmly.
Pope Leo XIV stands tall at 6 feet 2 inches and reportedly weighs 172 kilograms. His physical stature has drawn attention, but it is his spiritual vision and leadership that now come into focus.
The choice of the name Leo carries historical weight. Pope Leo XIII, who reigned from 1878 to 1903, was known as the “Pope of the Workers,” advocating for labor rights at a time when socialism was challenging religious authority. Leo XIII worked to guide laborers toward faith, not ideology. His connection to the working class, and the fact that Chicago—Pope Leo XIV’s home city—is also known as a city of labor, gives renewed meaning to this papal lineage.
There is great hope that Pope Leo XIV will continue this legacy, addressing the needs of workers and the marginalized through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Let Christians around the world join in prayer and support for Pope Leo XIV as he embarks on this sacred mission—to glorify God, uplift humanity, and serve as a beacon of faith in our time.