Pope Leo XIV is crowned: The birth of an American-born pontiff and a new era for the Catholic Church

Elected by the Conclave in 2025, Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born pope in Catholic history. We take a closer look at his background and philosophy, his continuity with Pope Francis, and his plans for the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul, South Korea.

On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church reached a historic moment. At a conclave held after the election of Pope Francis, American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope, taking the title “Pope Leo XIV.” This was the first American pope in Catholic history, an event of great significance to Catholics around the world.

Background on the election of the 267th Pope and the Conclave process

On April 21, 2025, the papacy became vacant due to the death of Pope Francis. In response, 133 cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City for a conclave. After two days of secret balloting, on the fourth ballot, Cardinal Robert Prebost was elected the new pope, marking one of the fastest papal elections since 1831. Immediately after the election, white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the birth of the new pope, and Cardinal Dominic Mamberti proclaimed “Habemus Papam”.

About Pope Leo XIV

Personal history and background

Robert Francis Prebost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Of French, Italian, and Spanish ancestry, he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Villanova University before entering the Augustinian Order in 1977. He then studied theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he became a priest.

Prebost began his missionary work in Peru in 1985, serving as vicar general of the Diocese of Churucanas and later as bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo. He became a Peruvian citizen and developed deep ties with the local community. In 2024, he was ordained a cardinal by Pope Francis and served as prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and president of the Pontifical Council for Latin America.

The meaning of the papal title “Leo XIV

Prebost chose “Leo XIV” for his title, a nod to Pope Leo XIII, who emphasized workers’ rights and social justice at the end of the 19th century. In his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, Leo XIII laid out the Church’s position on social issues in the industrialization era, which became the basis for modern Catholic social doctrine . Pope Leo XIV is expected to carry on this tradition, with a papacy that focuses on social justice and the protection of the vulnerable.

Describe your centrist and progressive leanings

Pope Leo XIV is seen as both centrist and progressive. While he has expressed opposition to the blessing of same-sex couples, he has been inclusive, acknowledging the need for discussion. He has also been critical of the US administration’s immigration policies and emphasized his concern for the underprivileged. These positions can be seen as part of an effort to balance conservatives and liberals within the church, and to accommodate diverse voices.

Analyzing your first public remarks

The meaning of the greeting “Peace be with you all”

Shortly after his election, Pope Leo XIV made his first public remarks from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, saying, “La pace sia con tutti voi.” This was the first greeting of the risen Christ to his disciples, and through it, the Pope sought to send a message of peace to the world. He emphasized unconditional love and peace for all, saying, “The peace that the Lord gives has no conditions.”

Relationship and continuity with Pope Francis

Pope Leo XIV emphasized his deep connection to Pope Francis and expressed his intention to carry on his legacy: “Let us go forward with courage, like Pope Francis,” he said, and continue the reforming and inclusive spirit of his predecessor. This translates into an effort to maintain continuity and stability within the church.

Future plans and outlook

Planning for the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul, South Korea

Pope Leo XIV will attend the World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul in 2027, making him the third pope to visit South Korea after John Paul II and Pope Francis, which is significant for the Catholic Church and young people in South Korea. The theme of the congress is “Be of good courage, I have overcome the world,” a quote from John 16:33, emphasizing courage and hope for the challenges facing young people in the modern world.

Symbolism and expectations of an American-born pope

Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born pope in Catholic history, which is highly symbolic not only for the Catholic Church in the United States, but also for the world at large. His election highlights the geographic diversity and universality of the Church, and signals the Church’s embrace of diverse cultures and backgrounds. It is also a source of pride and hope for Catholics in the United States.

A comprehensive assessment of the impact of the election of Pope Leo XIV on the Catholic Church and the world.

The election of Pope Leo XIV is significant for the Catholic Church and the world in several ways: his new geographic background as a native of the United States emphasizes the universality and diversity of the Church; his centrist and progressive leanings demonstrate his commitment to inclusion of diverse opinions within the Church; and his concern for social justice and the protection of the vulnerable positions him to actively respond to contemporary issues.

We look forward to seeing how Pope Leo XIV will implement church reform and social engagement in the coming years, and what messages he will convey through international events such as the World Youth Congress. We hope his leadership will bring positive change to the Catholic Church and the world.