VATICAN CITY, 8 May 2025 – White smoke rose over the Sistine Chapel on Thursday. It marked a historic moment for the Catholic Church as Robert Prevost, as a 69-year-old cleric from Chicago was elected as the 267th pope. Taking the name Leo XIV, he becomes the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
In his first public address from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV declared, “Evil will not prevail”. He urged the crowd to seek peace and build bridges. Speaking in Italian and Spanish, he made no reference to his native English, perhaps a symbolic gesture towards the global nature of his new role.
“I would like peace to reach your families, all peoples, all the earth,” he said. “Peace be with you. A disarmed, disarming, humble peace. God loves us all, unconditionally.”
Pope Leo XIV was elected after four rounds of voting on the second day of the conclave. The rapid result – from a group of 133 cardinal electors – suggested strong early support. His election marks a major shift in Vatican tradition, ending a long-standing resistance to an American papacy.
Observers noted that his chosen name, Leo, historically evokes strength in times of crisis. This could signal a continuation of the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
The new pope’s background combines deep theological experience with grassroots missionary work. Formerly head of the Augustinian order, he served for years in Peru and became a citizen of the country. He also held a senior position in the Dicastery for Bishops, giving him significant influence in shaping the global Church. He was elevated to cardinal in 2023 by Francis and helped drive forward one of the previous pope’s key reforms – including appointing women to the body that recommends new bishops.
American reaction to Pope Leo XIV
At home in the US, reaction to his election was swift. US President Donald Trump congratulated him on social media, despite past tensions over issues such as migration. “What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country,” he wrote. “I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV.”
Trump’s message came days after he had angered many Catholics by posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as pope.
The pontiff’s stance on US domestic policy has previously been critical. He has condemned the treatment of refugees by US authorities and shared articles challenging political figures on Christian doctrine, including a piece titled “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
Despite these critiques, Vice President JD Vance was among those to welcome his election, writing: “Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope … May God bless him!”
Liberals celebrate new pope’s election
Outside the US, world leaders also responded quickly. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he hoped the Vatican would continue to provide “moral and spiritual support” in Ukraine’s efforts to restore peace and justice.
The election sparked celebrations across the globe. Church bells rang in Lima, Peru, where Pope Leo once served as bishop of Chiclayo. The mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, celebrated in more casual tones: “Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!”
Back in Rome, St Peter’s Square was packed with over 100,000 people cheering, waving Vatican flags, and embracing as the new pope spoke. Swiss Guards marched solemnly through the crowd as pilgrims, clergy, and tourists alike welcomed the historic moment.
Christine Allen, director of Catholic charity Cafod, praised the appointment. “Now more than ever, the world needs a strong and steadfast moral voice,” she said. “Having spent years in Peru, Pope Leo XIV brings with him the vital perspective of the global south, elevating voices from the margins to centre stage.”
Eric LeCompte of Jubilee USA Network echoed that sentiment, saying Leo XIV was likely to “follow the path that Francis set to build a more inclusive and transparent Church.”
The new pope faces immediate and complex challenges. The Church remains divided over its future direction, while the world contends with conflict in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan. The climate crisis, migration, human rights, and global inequality will also weigh heavily on his leadership.
Yet in his first words to the faithful, Pope Leo XIV set a clear tone – one of humility, unity, and peace. “Help us build bridges, with dialogue, to always be at peace,” he said.
