By Jide Courage
Behold Pope Leo XIV, the brand-new pontiff elected by Catholic Cardinals this evening at the Sistine Chapel in Rome. With a staggering population of 1.4 billion people, Pope Leo XIV will lead the largest Christian organisation in the world.
The election of a pontiff excites significant interest because, behind the scene, they play a defining role in world affairs.
Yesterday, the new Pope was in Rome as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost (69), an American-born but Peruvian naturalized citizen and bishop. Today, Thursday 8 May 2025, he reigns as successor to Pope Francis who died on 21 April.
The Election
A total of 133 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, May 7, for the papal conclave. This ritual began since 1179.
The electors needed two-thirds of their number to agree on a suitable candidate. However, they were not able to rally this number the first day, as black smoke billowed from the chapel’s chimney. Today, the second day of the Conclave, white smoke appeared at exactly 6.07 p.m, signifying success at last.
From the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced that Cardinal Robert is the new Pope.
By this election, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost becomes the first American-born pontiff, signifying a geographical shift in the church’s leadership.
The election also introduces a leader poised to use his diverse background and experience to influence the Church’s direction.
Who is Pope Leo XIV?
Born in Chicago, United States in 1955, the parents of Pope Leo XIV named him Robert Francis Prevost. He joined the Augustinian Order as a priest but soon relocated to Peru where he served extensively. The Church appointed him as Bishop of Chiclayo and he subsequently naturalized as a citizen of Peru in 2015.
As a cardinal, Pope Leo XIV played key roles in the Vatican, including serving as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. This role involves overseeing the appointment of Bishops worldwide. He was also President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
His contemporaries describe Pope Leo XIV as a humble servant of God who is committed to social justice. His views substantially align with those of Pope Francis. He, however, brings a more moderate tone to issues like pastoral inclusion and environmental stewardship.
A Global Shepherd from America
Pope Leo XIV’s election signals a continued focus on global outreach and Church reform. Commentators are already drawing attention to how his papacy will reflect a blend of his American upbringing and global missionary work.
This is so because, with the Augustinians, he served extensively outside the United States, eventually becoming a Bishop in Peru. He developed deep ties to Latin America, solidified with his acquisition of Peruvian citizenship in 2015 to underscore a commitment to serving diverse communities.
The New Pope and Africa
Pope Leo XIV is one Pope that is familiar with Africa. He visited Nigeria in 2016 as Pryo of the Augustinian Order to commission a chapel in Abuja. He also visited Jos, the first Augustinian Mission post in Nigeria.
Apart from Nigeria, he has visited many other African countries where the Augustinians operated. Augustinians are famous for their work in education, evangelization, and promoting justice and peace. They also focus on areas facing challenges like terrorism.
Between Pope Leo XIV and Pope Francis
Pope Leo XIV’s views align closely with those of his predecessor, Pope Francis. He emphasizes the importance of synodality, an advocacy for the church faithful to listen to each other and walk together.
Synodality is a process of discernment and collaboration where the entire People of God (bishops, priests, religious, and laity) work together to discern how the Holy Spirit is leading the Church. In this, both Francis and the new Pope embrace authentic dialogue, where the people of God share responsibility for the Church’s mission.
In his role as overseer of Vatican appointment of Bishops, he emphasized the need to choose leaders who are close to their communities. At the same time, and like his predecessor, Pope Leo XIV favoured a more inclusive and compassionate church.
Most significantly, Pope Leo XIV supported Francis’ call for the Church to be more welcoming to all, regardless of their backgrounds. This will suggest that he will continue with efforts to make the Church more accessible and responsive to the modern world’s complexities.
Implication of his election for the Church
Electing an American as Pope introduces a new dimension to the papacy, hitherto dominated by Europeans. It potentially strengthens the Catholic Church’s engagement with issues of polarization and cultural diversity prevalent in Western societies.
Also, the new Pope is in a position to leverage his American heritage and international exposure to bridge gaps between different cultural contexts in the church.
His leadership may also influence the Church’s approach to global issues including social justice, migration, and environmental concerns. He previously demonstrated interest and substantial alignment with Pope Francis in these areas.
A picture worth a thousand words
Behold Pope Leo XIV
This iconic photo of Pope Leo XIV, taken at the Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, is the first public appearance of Cardinal Robert as Pope, seen here wearing the traditional papal attire. Significantly, the attire includes the red mozzetta (a short cape), the ornate stole, and the white cassock, all of which signal a return to ceremonial elements that his predecessor cast aside.
Observers interpreted the choice of vestments as a nod to traditional papal imagery, reflecting continuity with a personal touch. It also signaled a commitment to bridge tradition with contemporary leadership, they said.
What the world is saying
World leaders took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate and pray for the leader of the Catholic faithful around the world. The exception was the United States President who went to his social media platform, Truth Social.
From the Americas
From President Donald Trump: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. 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!”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum: “We congratulate His Holiness Leo XIV, elected by the College of Cardinals as Head of Vatican City State and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. I reaffirm our humanist convergence for world peace and prosperity.”
Former President Barack Obama said on X: “Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith.”
Former President George W. Bush: “Laura and I are delighted to congratulate former Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election to the papacy. This an historic and hopeful moment for Catholics in America and for the faithful around the world. We join those praying for the success of Pope Leo XIV as he prepares to lead the Catholic church, serve the neediest, and share God’s love.”
From Europe
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound moment of joy for Catholics in the United Kingdom and globally, and begins a new chapter for the leadership of the church and in the world. Pope Leo is the first American pope. This is a momentous moment.”
French President Emmanuel Macron: “A historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful. To Pope Leo XIV, and to all Catholics in France and around the world, I extend a message of fraternity. On this May 8th, may this new pontificate be one of peace and hope.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election to the See of Saint Peter and the beginning of his pontificate. Ukraine deeply values the Holy See’s consistent position in upholding international law, condemning the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine, and protecting the rights of innocent civilians. … I wish His Holiness Leo XIV wisdom, inspiration, and strength–both spiritual and physical–in carrying out his noble mission. Ad multos annos!”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: “I extend my most sincere wishes to Pope Leo XIV for the beginning of his pontificate. In a time marked by conflict and unrest, his words from the Loggia delle Benedizioni are a powerful call for peace, brotherhood and responsibility. A spiritual legacy that follows the path traced by Pope Francis, and that Italy looks at with respect and hope.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: “I warmly congratulate you on your election as head of the Catholic Church. You give hope and guidance to believers worldwide and are an anchor for justice and reconciliation. I wish you strength, health and God’s blessing.”
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