After a day of seclusion in the Vatican, the 2025 papal conclave concluded with the selection of a new pope by the cardinals. Cardinal Robert Prevost was chosen and will be known as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time a pope from the United States has been elected.
Here are some key facts about Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost):
– Pope Leo XIV, born in Chicago, Illinois in 1955, is the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church. He is also a citizen of Peru, where he spent many years working.
– Prior to becoming pope, Prevost served as the head of the church’s Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the selection of new bishops.
– He is generally considered a centrist, but is viewed as progressive on social issues, particularly in supporting marginalized groups. However, Prevost holds conservative views on certain matters, such as opposing the ordination of women as deacons.
– Pope Leo XIV studied mathematics at Villanova University in Pennsylvania before pursuing theology studies at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago. He was ordained as a priest in 1982 and later served as a missionary in Peru.
Upon his election, Pope Leo XIV received congratulations from President Trump and the mayor of Chicago. President Trump expressed his excitement at having the first American pope, while Mayor Brandon Johnson celebrated the honor for Chicago.
The tradition of popes choosing a new name upon election dates back to the early years of Christianity, symbolizing a new beginning. While not all popes have adopted new names, the practice is rooted in historical and religious significance. Popes may select names to honor predecessors or to signal their own vision for their papacy. For example, Pope Francis chose his name in reference to St. Francis of Assisi, reflecting the values he sought to embody in his leadership.
After receiving a divine vision of Jesus instructing him to reconstruct his church, he relinquished his riches and established the Franciscan friars in 1290. Here are some top contenders for the upcoming papal election. Exclusive preview: The Sinister Murder of the Heart. Exploring the events within the Catholic Church that culminated in the selection of Pope Leo XIV.
