Catholic Church Elects Pope Leo the 14th as First American Pope
Pope Leo the 14th © ABC News
By Edward Francis Dalliah
In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, Illinois, has been elected as the 267th pontiff, following the death of Pope Francis on 21st April 2025. Prevost’s election marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. He has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, signalling a new era in the Church’s global leadership.
The papal conclave, a solemn and secretive assembly of the College of Cardinals, began on Wednesday, 7th May 2025, and concluded on Thursday, 8th May, after two days of deliberations held within the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. In keeping with tradition, only cardinals under the age of 80 were eligible to vote, and a two-thirds majority was required to elect the new pope.
Pope Leo XIV, aged 69, is reported to be widely respected for his pastoral sensitivity, theological depth, and global perspective. He is the former Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine and Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. The new pope also served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the appointment of bishops worldwide. His experience spans both missionary work in Latin America and high-ranking administrative duties within the Vatican.
In his first appearance as pope, addressing the faithful from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV called for peace, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to the Church’s mission in a rapidly changing world. His words were met with resounding applause from the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, many waving flags and banners in celebration.
The new Pope has also been quoted by the Vatican News calling on media professionals to foster an alternative form of communication that avoids striving for consensus at all costs, refrains from using aggressive language, steps away from a competitive culture, and always integrates the pursuit of truth with the love we must humbly pursue. In his word, Pope Leo XIV said: “Communication is not only the transmission of information, but it is also the creation of a culture, of human and digital environments that become spaces for dialogue and discussion.” Apart from his words to the media, he also called for peace in countries that are currently in war.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, Catholics around the world look to his leadership with a mixture of hope and expectation, trusting that his unique background and vision will guide the Church through both spiritual renewal and global challenges.
