Meet the New Pope: Robert Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV — The First American to Lead the Catholic Church
This morning, the world woke up to major news from the Vatican: the Catholic Church has a new leader — and for the first time in history, he’s American.
Just after 6 p.m. Rome time, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the conclave of cardinals had made their choice. After two days of deliberation and three rounds of voting, 69-year-old Robert Prevost from the United States was elected pope.
Now officially known as Pope Leo XIV, Prevost stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in front of a crowd of tens of thousands and delivered a message of unity and peace. “Let us come together as one people, always in peace,” he told the world, while paying tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis.
A Pope in the Spirit of Francis — But Not a Carbon Copy
So, who is Pope Leo XIV, and what direction might he take the Church?
According to Shaun Blanchard, a theology professor at the University of Notre Dame, Pope Leo is “not exactly Francis 2.0 — maybe more like Francis 1.5.” While he shares many of Pope Francis’s values and priorities, he’s seen as a bit more low-key and reserved in his style.
Like Francis, he emphasizes pastoral care, service to the poor, and inclusion. His long-standing support for the idea of synodality — encouraging consultation and collaboration at all levels of the Church — may have played a major role in his election.
Blanchard adds, “Many cardinals probably wanted to keep going in the direction Francis set, but with someone who might be able to connect a bit more with conservative voices in the Church.”
A Global American Pope
Born and raised in Chicago, Robert Prevost spent more than 20 years living and working as a missionary in Peru, even becoming a Peruvian citizen. His deep ties to Latin America make him more than just the first U.S. pope — he’s truly a Pope of the Americas.
“He’s deeply rooted in Latino culture,” says Blanchard. “He’ll be a pope of the people — just in a different tone and style than Francis.”
Tackling Conflict and Global Crises
The role of the pope isn’t just spiritual — it’s also global. One of the most urgent topics discussed during the conclave was how the next pope would address ongoing global conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan.
Pope Leo used his very first public address to share his vision of the Church as a force for “peace and justice”, and he spoke of the importance of “building bridges” in a divided world.
Though he has limited experience in diplomacy, Pope Leo brings significant Vatican leadership experience. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, giving him a strong administrative background.
Still, when it comes to navigating international tensions, experts believe he’ll lean on the advice and expertise of seasoned Vatican diplomats.
“He’s likely to position the Church as a voice for disarmament and peaceful resolution,” says Blanchard. “But he’ll also be smart enough to rely on those who are already engaged on the ground.”
Read this also : New Pope Robert Francis Prevost !
Read this also : USA Dailies Responses on Operation Sindhur
