Cardinal Robert Prevost has made a surprising but historic leap to leadership within the Catholic Church, adopting the name Leo XIV to mark a significant moment as the first Pope from the United States.
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Just 70 minutes after the iconic white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating the selection of a new pope by the 133 cardinal electors, Pope Leo XIV made his debut on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. “Peace be with you all,” he greeted the ecstatic crowd gathered below.
The announcement was made by French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who joyfully proclaimed “Habemus Papam” (We have a pope) to the tens of thousands eagerly waiting in St. Peter’s Square for the news.
Renowned for his reserved demeanor, Prevost has seldom engaged with the media and typically refrains from public speaking. He becomes the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, following the death of Pope Francis, who was not only the first Latin American pope but also a leader who devoted 12 years to modernizing the Church.
Pope Francis was a trailblazer, introducing a number of reforms and fostering discussions on contentious subjects like women’s ordination and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ Catholics. As the conclave approached, some cardinals voiced their desire to continue Francis’s vision of openness, while others longed to return to traditional ways.
Prevost has garnered respect from his fellow cardinals not just for his quiet leadership style but also for his strong support of Francis, particularly on social justice issues. Prior to his election, he served as bishop in Chiclayo, northwestern Peru, from 2015 to 2023. His expertise caught the attention of Francis, who appointed him to lead the Vatican office responsible for selecting bishops worldwide.
“Our work is to enlarge the tent and to let everyone know they are welcome inside the Church,” Prevost stated during a 2023 Vatican press conference, reflecting his commitment to inclusion.
On the streets of Rome, reactions overflowed with joy. Joseph Brian, a 39-year-old chef from Belfast, shared, “I’m not an overly religious person, but being here with all these people just blew me away.” The crowd erupted in celebrations, with one priest perched on another’s shoulders waving a Brazilian flag, while others raised crucifixes in the air, embodying the spirit of jubilation.
Among the throngs, Bruna Hodara from Brazil could be heard exclaiming, “Habemus papam, woooo!” as she recorded the moment, surrounded by fellow attendees waving flags and shouting, “Viva Il Papa!” which translates to “Long live the pope!”
For Florian Fried, a 15-year-old from Munich, being present at such a historic moment was a dream come true. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the pope. It’s really special… I’m excited!” he exclaimed.
Pope Francis, who passed away last month at the age of 88, had a transformative 12-year papacy focused on compassion, yet his progressive actions sparked controversy among some conservative factions within the Church. Now, Pope Leo XIV faces the significant challenge of addressing global conflicts, spearheading unity within a divided Church, and confronting pressing issues stemming from the sexual abuse scandal.
The conclave was remarkable, consisting of 133 “Princes of the Church” from five continents, marking the largest and most diverse gathering in history. Bound by the oath of secrecy, their only way to communicate their progress was through smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel chimney. After several rounds of voting with black smoke signaling disappointment, white smoke finally confirmed the election of the new pope late in the afternoon.
While the specifics of the election process will remain confidential, it adhered to the recent trend of brevity, concluding in less than two days. Past elections, such as those for Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, took four and five ballots, respectively. Secure in his role, the new pope entered the Room of Tears, where fresh popes are allowed their emotional moments before donning the papal cassock for the first time. Once this was complete, he returned to the Sistine Chapel to receive the loyalty pledge from the cardinals.
As tradition dictates, Pope Leo XIV will step out onto the balcony with a senior cardinal, who will announce to the eager crowd “Habemus Papam,” before delivering a brief address and issuing his first “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) blessing.
This election unfolds amidst a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties, which deeply influenced cardinals’ voting considerations, as well as the internal divisions within the Church. Pope Francis, a compassionate reformer focused on migrants and environmental issues, encountered resistance from traditionalists, who desired a staunch defender of doctrine. With 80% of the cardinal electors appointed by Francis himself, and hailing from a staggering 70 nations, this conclave stands as a testament to the Church’s global reach.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
