A New Pope After a Historic Conclave
After Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, 133 cardinals gathered in Vatican City to elect his successor. Though Cardinals Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle were seen as frontrunners, it was American-born Cardinal Robert Prevost who was chosen, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
Unexpected but Qualified
Prevost, 69, was not a top contender, making his election a surprise to many. A former missionary in Peru and head of the Augustinian order, he also served in key Vatican roles, including prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. From the balcony of St. Peter’s, he greeted the world with, “Peace be with all of you!”
Mixed Reactions Worldwide
The decision drew mixed responses online. Some praised the choice as divinely inspired, while others criticized the Vatican for not selecting a more diverse or progressive candidate. One commenter wrote, “God works in mysterious ways,” while another said, “Should’ve been a Black or Asian pope.”
A Papacy Begins
Despite controversy, Pope Leo XIV now leads 1.4 billion Catholics, tasked with uniting a Church divided by tradition and change.
