Ekaterina Shevlyakova reporting for Global Event Magazine from Saint Peter’s square
Habemus Papam: Cardinal Prevost becomes the first American Pope Leone XIV in the history of the Catholic Church and will stay committed to the reforms that Pope Francis began
On May 8, 2025, at 6:08 p.m., white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, announcing to the world the election of the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church: American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has chosen the name Leo XIV. The smoke came unexpectedly and it has been extremely emotional to watch in person the election of the new Catholic Church leader – the sudden smoke that appeared and the Pope that spoke for the first time from the terrace of the Saint Peter’s square has been breathtaking and was worth of endless hours of waiting.
The mystery of the conclave kept enormous crowds gathering on the Saint Peter’s square attending the decision of the cardinals. The decision came very unexpected as everybody presumed the Pope would be an Italian one.
- An American Heart, a Universal Spirit
Born in Chicago on September 14, 1955, Robert Francis Prevost is the first Pope from the United States and the first from the Order of St. Augustine. With an academic background in mathematics, philosophy, and theology, he served as a missionary in Peru and later as bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023. In 2023, he was appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
His election marks a continuation of Pope Francis’ legacy, emphasizing attention to the poor and marginalized, and a commitment to a more inclusive and compassionate Church. - The Meaning of the Name Leo XIV
By choosing the name Leo XIV, the new Pope evokes the memory of Pope Leo XIII, known for his encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed workers’ rights and social justice. This choice suggests a renewed focus on human dignity, labor, and social equity. - First Words and a Call for Peace
In his first public address from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with the words, “Peace be with you all.” He expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and paid homage to his predecessor, Pope Francis, pointing out the importance of building bridges and promoting global peace. The reaction of the White House has been immediate – President Donald Trump congratulated the new Pope Leone XIV and said this decision came unexpected, but made him very happy. - A New Era for the Church
The election of Pope Leo XIV signals the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church—one centered on social justice, unity, and peace. With international experience and a deep understanding of today’s challenges, the new Pope is expected to lead the Church into the third millennium with courage, humility, and hope. In these times of international uncertainty and distruttive wars the election of a new Pope has been highly important and an American Pope Leone XIV could make an extremely progressive and positive impact on the world.
