In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, the white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel has signaled the election of a new pontiff—Pope Leo XIV. Formerly Archbishop Robert Prevost, the newly elected pope is seen as a natural successor to Pope Francis, with whom he shares a vision for a Church focused on inclusion, outreach, and global justice.
Prevost’s rise to the papacy was swift. Appointed archbishop and then made a cardinal by Francis in early 2023, his elevation was viewed by many as part of the broader transformation of Church leadership. With nearly 80% of the voting cardinals appointed by Francis himself, the election of someone closely aligned with his ideals was widely anticipated.
As prefect for the Dicastery of Bishops, Prevost played a key role in selecting and supervising bishops around the world—placing him at the heart of the Church’s leadership. Known for his progressive stance on issues such as migration, environmental protection, and poverty, he has been praised for embodying the spirit of the Francis era.
Those who know him personally, including Reverend John Lydon, recall him as “outgoing,” “down to earth,” and “deeply concerned with the poor.” His American roots, combined with his years of service in Latin America—particularly Peru—further position him as a bridge between cultures and continents. The Vatican has hailed him as the second pope from the Americas and the first from the Augustinian order.
While his tenure in Peru was not without controversy, particularly amid the broader sexual abuse scandals that have shaken the Church, his diocese has firmly denied any involvement in cover-ups.
As the Church looks to the future, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni noted that the conclave called for “a prophetic spirit capable of leading a Church that does not close in on itself but brings light to a world marked by despair.” Pope Leo XIV appears poised to fulfill that call—bringing both continuity and renewed energy to the global Catholic community.