Pope Leo XIV commenced his pontificate, leading the global Roman Catholic Church with its 1.4 billion members, by celebrating Mass in the Vatican’s revered Sistine Chapel on Friday. The Mass was attended by a gathering of cardinals, marking his first full day as the successor to Pope Francis.
The momentous occasion unfolded shortly after the 133 cardinal electors, in a historic conclave, chose Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope. The election, held over two days, culminated in the selection of Leo, a 69-year-old native of Chicago, making him the first pope born in the United States.
Prior to his elevation to the papacy, Leo’s career was largely defined by his missionary work in Peru. He immersed himself in the local culture, eventually acquiring Peruvian nationality and serving as a bishop in Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. His elevation to cardinal came just last year, in 2023.
The selection of Leo as pope came as a surprise to many within the Roman Catholic world. He was not widely regarded as a frontrunner in the papal race, making his election all the more remarkable.
The traditional signal of a successful papal election, white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel chimney, emerged on May 8. The announcement of the new pope’s name to the eager crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square was met with an eruption of cheers, signifying their approval and enthusiasm for the new leader of the Church.
In his initial address to the crowd, Pope Leo XIV delivered a message of peace, stating, "Peace be with you all," in fluent Italian. He also addressed the crowd in Spanish, but notably did not speak in English during his address.
Looking ahead, Pope Leo XIV has a series of engagements planned. He will lead the Regina Coeli prayer from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, May 11, at 12 p.m. local time. The following day, Monday, May 12, he will meet with journalists in the Vatican, offering insights into his vision for the Church.
Robert Francis Prevost’s journey to the papacy began with his ordination in 1981 as a member of the Order of Saint Augustine. He dedicated himself to pastoral work, serving as a pastor of vocations and director of missions for the Augustinian order in Chicago. His commitment to missionary work led him to Peru, where he spent several years teaching canon law.
Prevost’s service extended beyond missionary work. He held positions as a parish pastor, diocesan official, seminary teacher, and vicar. He also served two terms as the head of the Augustinian order, concluding his tenure in 2013.
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him to administrative roles in Peru, and he later became a bishop and vice president of the Peruvian Bishops Conference, positions he held until 2023.
Most recently, Prevost served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a position of significant influence within the Church. In this role, he was responsible for selecting many of the world’s bishops. His elevation to the rank of Cardinal by Pope Francis in September 2023 further solidified his standing within the Church hierarchy.
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, a pope who broke barriers and left a lasting legacy. Pope Francis’s progressive positions, emphasis on inclusivity, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life and across different faiths made him a beloved figure, even beyond the confines of the Church.
Prevost has garnered the attention of his peers due to his understated demeanor and unwavering support for Pope Francis, particularly his commitment to social justice issues.
His choice of the name Leo, used by 13 other popes before him, carries symbolic weight.
"Leo is a powerful choice," commented Margaret Thompson, an associate professor of history at Syracuse University. "Leo XIII is considered the father of Catholic social teaching. This signals a potential emphasis on justice, labor, and the church’s role in the modern world."
The last pope to adopt the name Leo, Leo XIII, led the Church from 1878 to 1903. He was renowned for his unwavering focus on social justice issues and is widely credited with laying the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching.
Bruce Morrill, a distinguished professor of theology and Roman Catholic studies at Vanderbilt University, described Prevost’s name choice as "highly significant" and likely indicative of his support for social justice.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new chapter in the history of the Roman Catholic Church. His background as a missionary, his experience in Latin America, and his commitment to social justice suggest a pontificate that will continue to address the challenges facing the world and the Church in the 21st century. His choice of name signals a commitment to continue the work of his predecessors who championed the cause of social justice.
