Vatican City – History was made at the Vatican this week as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born missionary and former bishop in Peru, was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
The announcement came as French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti addressed a packed St. Peter’s Square with the iconic Latin phrase “Habemus Papam” — “We have a Pope” — just over an hour after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling a successful vote by the conclave of cardinals.
A Historic Choice
Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the United States, and only the second from the Americas, following Pope Francis of Argentina, who passed away on April 21. At 69, Leo XIV brings with him decades of experience in pastoral leadership, notably serving in Peru, where he became known for his missionary work and ability to build bridges between communities.
His election was swift — completed in less than two days — a sign of strong consensus among the 135 cardinal-electors. His selection reflects a desire among Church leaders for stability, continuity, and balance amid an era of reform and debate within the Catholic Church.
A Symbolic Name and Style
Choosing the name Leo — historically associated with strength and crisis leadership — may offer insight into how the new pope views the future. Past popes named Leo, such as Leo I, are remembered for defending the faith during challenging times. Pope Leo XIV’s attire, including the traditional red ermine-trimmed cape that Pope Francis famously declined, suggests he may embrace a blend of tradition and renewal in his papacy.
Still, Leo XIV paid warm tribute to his predecessor, saying: “May we all build bridges with dialogue. Thank you, Pope Francis.”
A Message of Peace and Unity
Standing on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo XIV addressed the crowd in Italian and Spanish, expressing a message of peace, inclusion, and gratitude.
“To all people, wherever they are, to all the people of the earth, may peace be with you,” he said, his voice echoing over a jubilant crowd waving flags from every continent.
He concluded his appearance with the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, a solemn message to the city of Rome and to the world, marking the official beginning of his papal ministry.
 100vw, 500px”></p> <p id=)
Conclave Picks Robert Prevost, Who Will Be Pope LeoA Pope for a Changing Church
Pope Leo XIV is widely seen as a moderate pragmatist and a natural continuation of Pope Francis’ progressive, yet pastoral, approach. His appointment is seen as a vote for steady leadership amid internal Church debates over doctrine, tradition, and inclusivity.
While his red papal cape nods to tradition, his values appear rooted in the Francis-era commitment to synodality — a term used to describe broad, consultative dialogue across the Church hierarchy.
Leo XIV’s American background and global ministry experience also position him to be a unique bridge between the Vatican and an increasingly interconnected Catholic world, including fast-growing communities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Global Reactions
From Vatican Square to Washington, D.C., the announcement was met with enthusiasm. U.S. President Donald Trump, who attended Pope Francis’ funeral, posted: “What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment.”
In Peru, where Prevost spent much of his ministry, communities have responded with pride at his elevation to the papacy. During his speech, Leo XIV personally thanked his diocese there in Spanish.
What’s Next
Pope Leo XIV will return to the balcony in the coming days for his formal papal inauguration, an event expected to draw tens of thousands of pilgrims from around the world. As the Church navigates modern challenges — from global conflict to internal reform — many Catholics are watching closely to see how the new pontiff will steer the Church through a new chapter.
Vietnam Insider will continue to provide updates on the inauguration and the early days of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. Stay tuned.
Related
Discover more from Vietnam Insider
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Source: Vietnam Insider