At approximately 1:10 am on May 9, the Vatican announced the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from the United States as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, taking the nameLeo XIV. He is the first American pope in history.
Earlier that day, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the 133 cardinals had chosen a new leader for the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. Leo XIV later appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, opening his address with "Peace be with you" and emphasizing the need for humanity to remain forever in peace. He expressed hope that the Church would stay close to those who suffer.
Fastest Election in Over a Century
Leo XIV became the fifth pope since 1900 to be elected within two days of conclave proceedings. At around 7 pm local time on May 8 (1:00 am Hong Kong time on May 9), French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti proclaimed "Habemus Papam!" ("We have a pope!") and introduced the new pontiff as Leo XIV. The pope then delivered his first global address and bestowed the traditional Urbi et Orbi ("To the City and the World") blessing.
A "Compromise Candidate" with Deep Ties to Latin America
The 69-year-old Chicago-born Prevost, who holds Peruvian citizenship, is seen as a moderate figure. He spent decades serving in Peru, making him deeply familiar with Latin America, home to the largest Catholic population. Assigned to the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014, he was transferred to Rome in 2023 as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing global bishop appointments-a position of significant influence.
Like his predecessor Francis, Prevost has focused on aiding the poor and migrants. He once criticized bishops who "should not behave like a little prince in his kingdom," advocating humility. In 2022, he supported Francis' landmark reform by appointing three women to a committee reviewing bishop nominations. During his tenure in Peru, he opposed government efforts to introduce gender ideology into school curricula, calling it "confusing."
Conclave Drama: Four Ballots and White Smoke
The conclave began on May 7 with 133 cardinals from five continents. After inconclusive black smoke on the first day, two more rounds on May 8 also failed. However, during the fourth ballot that evening, white smoke emerged, triggering cheers from crowds in St. Peter's Square. Pilgrims waved flags, prayed, and celebrated as the new pope donned white vestments in the "Room of Tears."
Colombian pilgrim Juan Paredes, who traveled to Rome hoping to see the late Pope Francis, called the moment "historic." As a divorced Catholic, Paredes praised Francis for making the Church more inclusive and expressed hope for continuity under Leo XIV.
Challenges Ahead: Finances, Declining Faith, and Global Crises Reuters noted that the new pope faces immense challenges, including Vatican's €83 million budget shortfall (approx. HK$730 million) and a growing clergy pension deficit, estimated at €631 million in 2022. Many Western nations, like Germany, report dwindling congregations-only 29 new priests ordained in 2024, alongside 321,000 departures.
Global tensions, from Ukraine and Gaza to US-China trade wars, will test Leo XIV's diplomatic agility. Observers question whether he will uphold Francis' progressive legacy or steer the Church toward new priorities.
Profile Pope Leo XIV
Born in Chicago, Illinois, United States, Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost; September 14, 1955) dedicated his early clerical career to the Order of Saint Augustine. His service included extensive work in Perufrom 1985 to 1986 and 1988 to 1998, where he served as a parish pastor, diocesan official, seminary teacher, and administrator. Elected Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013, he later returned to Peru as Bishop of Chiclayo (2015–2023). In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishopsand the president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, andcreated him a cardinalthe same year. These roles elevated his prominence as a papal candidate.
Leo XIV is the firstUnited States and Peruvian pope (viadual citizenship), and the second pope from the Americas. He is the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine and the seventh fromordersfollowing the Rule of St. Augustine.
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