White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening, signaling the election of a new pope, in a moment that left many around the world astonished.
At approximately 6 p.m. in Rome (2 a.m. Friday AEST), the world learned that Robert Prevost, a native of Chicago, had been chosen to succeed Pope Francis, making history as the first-ever US-born pontiff. He will take the name Pope Leo XIV.
Prevost’s election defied expectations, surpassing frontrunner Pietro Parolin of Italy.
Historically, American candidates have been overlooked for the papacy due to the United States’ global influence, but Prevost’s diverse background may have played a decisive role. With Italian, French, and Spanish heritage, combined with years of missionary work in Peru, the new pope’s multicultural experience embodies a global perspective. One Italian commentator even described him as “The least American of the Americans.”
Addressing the crowd in fluent Italian, Pope Leo XIV began with the words, “Peace be with you all.”
He expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Pope Francis, and emphasised his vision of fostering unity and global peace. “I would like to offer a greeting of peace to reach your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to carry forward Francis’ legacy of advocating for migrants and the marginalised.
However, he also holds more conservative views on several issues, such as opposing the ordination of women and being critical of Francis’ more inclusive approach toward homosexuality. This duality positions him as a complex figure, balancing progressiveness with tradition.
US President Donald Trump quickly congratulated the new pope, calling it “an honour” for the United States.
“What excitement, and what a great honour for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!” Trump said.
However, the relationship between the two men may be already strained, as the new pope has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s policies, particularly on immigration and refugee bans.
Prevost has taken to social media many times in the past to share pointed critiques of Trump’s policies, highlighting his commitment to social justice.
Despite his background as a conservative voter in Illinois primaries, Pope Leo XIV has shown a willingness to challenge authority, particularly when it comes to policies he views as divisive.
This nuanced political history underscores the balancing act he now faces as the leader of a global church, which is grappling with geopolitical tensions, internal divisions, and declining congregations in the West.
