The Catholic Church Elects Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost As New Pope
By Chukwudi Onyewuchi on May 8, 2025 at 1:45 PM EDT
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church after a conclave that began on May 7. Following his election, he adopted the name Pope Leo XIV.
Worldwide celebrations erupted among Catholic faithful after white smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel.
However, the identity of the new pontiff wasn't immediately revealed as people had to wait for an hour before the new Pope greeted them from St Peter's Basilica's main balcony.
The Papacy Of Pope Leo XIV Begins
With his election, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost becomes the first American Pope.
Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV's rise comes despite the Vatican's traditional reluctance toward a U.S.-born pope, given America's secular global power.
A moderate figure, he was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023 and held a senior role in the influential Dicastery for Bishops, which oversees the global selection of bishops. He also brings deep missionary experience, having served as a bishop in Chiclayo, Peru.
These credentials may help bridge concerns within the Church, offering hope for unity as a new era of leadership begins under Pope Leo XIV.
The Conclave To Elect Pope Lasted Two Days
The process to elect a new pope for the Catholic Church began on Wednesday, May 7, 11 days after Pope Francis was buried on April 26.
Wednesday's voting process uncharacteristically lasted hours longer than anticipated, but didn't lead to the election of a new pope. Black smoke came out of the chimney, indicating no pope was selected.
Catholics used to the election process weren't surprised that a pope wasn't selected after day one of the conclave, as the last two popes were elected after two days.
Pope Benedict XVI's 2005 election lasted two days and required four ballots, while his successor, Pope Francis's election, took two days and five ballots.
Four ballots were scheduled for Thursday's round of voting among the cardinals, with the first concluded at 10:30 am local time in Rome. Again, no pope was elected after that round.
However, after the second round of voting, white smoke was seen coming from the Sistine Chapel, leading to screams of joy among those gathered at the Basilica and those watching worldwide.
Pope Francis's Death
The election of a new pope had to take place following the death of Pope Francis.
The Vatican announced his death on Easter Monday via a statement made by His Eminence, Cardinal Farrell.
The statement began, "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis."
It continued, "At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church."
Farrell also said, "He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized."
He concluded, "With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."
Pope Francis's Cause Of Death
Following Pope Francis's passing, it was revealed that he died following a stroke and irreversible heart failure.
Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the Vatican's physician, revealed that the Pope had slipped into a coma shortly before his death.
Just two months earlier, Pope Francis had been hospitalized with double pneumonia and bronchitis, sparking global concern about his health.
Despite appearing in public for a brief Easter Sunday meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, his condition reportedly worsened overnight.
According to TMZ, the Pope requested a humble burial, asking to be laid to rest at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, with a simple tomb marked only "Franciscus."
The Challenges Pope Leo XIV Has To Deal With
As his papacy begins, Pope Leo XIV faces monumental challenges within a divided Church.
Among the most contentious issues are LGBTQ+ inclusion and the role of women in church leadership.
Faithful like Andrea Rubera, a married gay father, fear losing the acceptance Pope Francis offered.
Meanwhile, women's groups demand long-denied roles in ministry, warning that without reform, many may leave the Church.
With 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide and rising pressure for inclusivity, the new pontiff must navigate tradition, reform, and unity, beginning his journey in the Sistine Chapel’s "Room of Tears," where many popes have wept before him.
