Verghese V Joseph –
In a historic and jubilant moment on Thursday evening, May 8, 2025, the faithful gathered in overwhelming numbers filled St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, awaiting the announcement that would mark a new chapter in the Catholic Church. At 7 pm local time (10:45 pm India time), white smoke billowed from the Vatican chimney, signaling the election of a new pope. Moments later, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost OSA (Order of Saint Augustine) appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to thunderous applause and cheers from the crowd below. The newly elected pontiff took the name Leo XIV and greeted the faithful with a heartfelt “Peace be with you all!”.
The election of Cardinal Prevost as Pope Leo XIV is historic on multiple fronts. Born in Chicago in 1955, he is the first American-born pope, a milestone that reflects the global nature of the Catholic Church today. His journey from the American Midwest to the heart of the Church’s leadership is a story of dedication, humility, and service spanning decades and continents.
Cardinal Prevost’s ecclesiastical career is marked by a profound commitment to pastoral care and church governance. After entering the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and making his solemn vows in 1981, he was ordained a priest in 1982. His early ministry took him to Peru, where he served as a parish pastor, seminary teacher, and diocesan official. He spent over a decade in Peru, deeply involved in formation and pastoral work, eventually becoming Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015. His naturalization as a Peruvian citizen underscores his deep ties to the country and its people.
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a key Vatican department responsible for overseeing the appointment of bishops worldwide. This role elevated his profile as a significant figure in the Church’s hierarchy and positioned him as a leading candidate for the papacy. His election follows a conclave of 133 cardinals from 71 nations, representing diverse theological and ideological perspectives within the Church. The two-day conclave’s decision reflects a consensus around Prevost’s ability to unify these factions and lead the Church forward.
Pope Leo XIV inherits a Church at a crossroads. His predecessor, Pope Francis, shifted the Church’s focus towards compassion and outreach to the marginalized, emphasizing social justice over divisive cultural debates. Leo XIV’s own record suggests a continuity of this approach, balancing progressive pastoral care with adherence to core Church doctrines. Known for his centrist stance, he embraces marginalized groups while maintaining traditional teachings on issues such as the ordination of women.
The new pontiff’s first public appearance in the papal white cassock and the ceremonial fisherman’s ring was accompanied by the stirring sounds of a marching band and the iconic Swiss Guards in their historic uniforms, creating a moment of solemn celebration and hope. The formal coronation will take place in the coming days in St. Peter’s Square, continuing the tradition of his recent predecessors.
The path forward will not be without challenges. Pope Leo XIV steps into a role that demands navigating complex global and internal Church issues. The Church continues to grapple with the legacy of child sexual abuse scandals, an area where his predecessor faced criticism despite efforts to address systemic problems. The new pope will need to strengthen accountability and healing within the Church community.
On the global stage, Leo XIV inherits a world marked by geopolitical tensions, humanitarian crises, and rising populism. His diplomatic skills and experience in Latin America will be vital as he advocates for peace, justice, and the dignity of all people. The Church’s Jubilee Year in 2025 will provide a platform for renewed spiritual energy and outreach under his leadership.
As Pope Leo XIV delivered his first blessing from the Loggia of the Blessings, the atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square was electric with hope and devotion. The declaration of “Habemus Papam!” by Cardinal Protacon Domin Mamb in Latin echoed through the square, uniting millions worldwide in prayer and celebration. The new pope’s message of peace resonates deeply in a world yearning for reconciliation and compassion.
The election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost OSA as Pope Leo XIV marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church-one rooted in a rich tradition of faith, service, and global unity. His life’s work as a missionary, teacher, and leader embodies the Church’s mission to serve all people, especially the marginalized. As the faithful look to the future, Pope Leo XIV stands as a beacon of hope, guiding the Church through the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
This story is still unfolding, and the world watches with anticipation as Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, promising a time of renewal, dialogue, and peace for the Catholic community and beyond.
One must exercise cautious optimism, though I must confess that my initial reaction about an American being elected was one of dismay. Subsequent reports indicate that he is not a Trump acolyte, rather a strong critic and that he is more Peruvian than American.