In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope, succeeding Pope Francis. The conclave, which lasted two days, culminated in the rising of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of the new pontiff. Robert Francis Prevost, born in Chicago in 1955, is now set to lead the global Catholic community into a new chapter.
The election process, which has remained largely unchanged for centuries, involves cardinals casting secret ballots until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority. This time-honored tradition ensures that the new pope is chosen with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as the Catholic Church embarks on the next chapter of its spiritual journey. Once the decision is made, the new pope will appear on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the faithful, marking the beginning of his papacy.
And now, the moment is here—our new pope is Robert Francis Prevost . Here’s everything you need to know about him.
Who is the New Pope? Meet Robert Francis Prevost
Robert Francis Prevost’s election is groundbreaking—he is the first American to hold the papacy. This marks a significant departure from the long history of European popes. Prevost’s American roots bring a fresh perspective to the Vatican, and his experience will no doubt shape his leadership as he takes on the monumental task of leading the Catholic Church.
Before his election, Prevost had an extensive career in missionary work. He spent nearly two decades in Peru, where he served as a parish priest, seminary teacher, and diocesan official. His deep connection to Latin America helped him gain a unique understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Prevost’s dedication to social justice, coupled with his multilingual abilities—speaking Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese—has made him a well-rounded leader in the global Church.
Habemus Papam! We have a Pope!
The Cardinals gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel have elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope, who took the name Pope Leo XIV. pic.twitter.com/7COawsKvWu
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025
Is the New Pope Conservative?
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is widely regarded as a moderate-conservative figure. His approach to moral doctrine aligns with traditional Catholic teachings, yet he places a strong emphasis on pastoral sensitivity and inclusivity. On sociopolitical issues, he advocates for marginalized communities and promotes synodality, an approach that encourages dialogue and participation within the Church. However, like Pope Francis, he remains firm in his opposition to the ordination of women as deacons, a stance that reflects his traditional views on certain doctrinal matters.
With his election as pope, Robert Francis Prevost brings decades of experience in the Church. He previously served as the Prior General of the Augustinians, where he oversaw the global order, and later as the Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. His most recent role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023 put him at the forefront of selecting bishops worldwide. As pope, Prevost is expected to continue emphasizing pastoral care, social justice, and unity within the Church.
As the first American pope and the second pope from the Americas, Robert Francis Prevost’s papacy will undoubtedly be remembered as a historic milestone for the Catholic Church. His election marks the beginning of a new era that promises to build on the legacy of Pope Francis, blending tradition with forward-thinking social advocacy.
