Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday. This marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. He selected the name Leo XIV, following in the footsteps of past popes like Leo XIII, who led the Church at the turn of the 20th century. The name Leo XIV signifies both continuity and the start of a new era for the Church.
The papal election unfolded swiftly, with white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney after the third round of voting. The smoke signaled that 133 cardinal electors had reached the required two-thirds majority — 89 votes — to elect a new pope. Bells rang from St. Peter’s Basilica, and thousands of people gathered in Vatican Square cheered as the announcement spread. The election, held on the second day of conclave, is among the shortest in recent history.
Born in Chicago, Prevost, 69, joined the Augustinian order early in life. He spent many years in Peru before assuming leadership roles in the Vatican. Most recently, he served as the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. Prevost’s election makes him the first pope from the United States and only the second from the Americas, following Pope Francis of Argentina.
The conclave began after the death of Pope Francis last month and was attended by 133 cardinal electors from around the world. Two cardinals were absent due to health reasons. The electors took an individual and collective oath of secrecy before casting their votes.
The Legacy of Pope Leo
The name Leo XIV recalls the legacy of previous popes named Leo. This name reflects Prevost’s intention to lead with continuity, while bringing his vision to the papacy. The name Peter remains off-limits out of respect for Saint Peter, the first pope.
Prevost’s election concludes one of the shortest conclaves in recent memory. The first rounds of voting are typically used to gauge the positions of cardinals, but the swift resolution of the election indicated that a clear favorite had emerged. The election took place just 24 hours after conclave proceedings began, a stark contrast to previous conclaves that have lasted days.
Prevost’s leadership begins amid significant challenges for the Catholic Church, including internal divisions, shrinking congregations in the West, and growing calls for reform. As the 267th pope, Prevost inherits a legacy of both profound challenges and opportunities to strengthen the Church’s global influence.
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