For the first time in history, an American has been elected pope. On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—a Chicago-born Augustinian and longtime missionary in Peru—became Pope Leo XIV, the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

When white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, it did more than announce a new pope. It signaled a turning point in how the global Church sees itself—and who it sees.

But First, How Is a Pope Chosen?

When a pope dies or resigns, the Church enters a period known as sede vacante—the seat is vacant. Then comes the conclave: a sacred, highly secretive election process held in the Sistine Chapel. Only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote. This time, 133 did.

They’re locked inside until a decision is reached. To be chosen, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority vote. Once elected, the new pope chooses a papal name and is introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. White smoke billows from the chapel’s chimney to declare: Habemus Papam—We have a pope.

Who Is Pope Leo XIV?

Though born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV has deep roots in Latin America. He spent over two decades in Peru, where he became a bishop and later a naturalized citizen. His work ranged from pastoral care in remote areas to serving as global head of the Augustinians and, most recently, overseeing the Vatican office responsible for appointing bishops around the world.

This experience has shaped a leader who understands both the power structures of the Church and the spiritual needs of people far from its center.

Where He Stands on the Big Issues

Pope Leo XIV doesn’t ignite controversy, but he doesn’t shy away from hard truths either. He walks the Church through a delicate middle ground—honoring tradition while acknowledging today’s realities.

On LGBTQ+ rights, he’s more cautious than Pope Francis, who once famously said, “Who am I to judge?” In 2012, then-Cardinal Prevost voiced concerns about the rising visibility of what he called “the homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families.” The comments continue to spark debate, especially among younger Catholics hoping for a more inclusive Church.

He’s also taken a hard stance against gender education. While in Peru, he argued that teaching children about gender identity was “confusing” and introduced “genders that don’t exist.”

Still, Leo XIV’s conservatism is rooted in a pastoral heart.

He’s vocal about the dangers of clericalism, often urging bishops not to act like “little princes.” In Chiclayo, he was known for walking miles to visit remote parishes and empowering laypeople to take on leadership roles.

He’s not loud, but he’s present. The question is: will his quiet conviction move the Church forward—or hold it still?

Why This Election Matters

For centuries, the papacy was a European affair—especially Italian. The Vatican is in Rome, and early Church power was concentrated in Europe. Geography shaped visibility, and visibility shaped leadership. So the role of pope passed time and again to men from nearby—like a family business staying in the hands of familiar faces.

But the Catholic Church has long outgrown its European cradle.

Today, most Catholics live in the Global South—in places like Nigeria, Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines. The Church’s future is multilingual, multicultural, and multiracial.

So when someone becomes pope who isn't European, it sends a quiet but powerful message:

We see you. We know the Church lives beyond Rome. And we’re growing too.

Pope Leo XIV embodies this shift. American by birth, Latin American by experience, he carries with him not just credentials—but stories, languages, and relationships that reflect the Church’s global identity.

This isn’t just Rome’s story anymore. It belongs to all of us.

A Balanced Figure in a Divided Church

Pope Leo XIV is viewed as a bridge between opposing currents in the Church: On one side, supporters of Pope Francis and his push toward reform and inclusivity. On the other, those who seek to preserve doctrine and tradition as it has always been. Leo XIV isn’t as outwardly progressive as Francis, particularly on issues like LGBTQ+ rights or gender ideology. But he’s likely to continue Francis’ spirit of listening, lay empowerment, and solidarity with the poor.

What Lies Ahead?

Only time will tell how Pope Leo XIV will shape the Church. But his election already speaks volumes.

For Catholics in overlooked corners of the world—for missionaries in dusty villages, for the faithful in megacities far from Rome—it’s a moment of recognition. A quiet nod from the Vatican that says:

“We haven’t forgotten you. You are part of this story too.”

And maybe, just maybe, this new papacy won’t only protect tradition—it’ll gently transform it.