Pope Leo XIV, an American Pope: What We Know So Far
Published 24 days ago • 1 min read
White Smoke Rises: Cardinals Elect the 267th Pope — What We Know So Far About the Historic Choice
Robert Francis Prevost: Pope Leo XIVe an American pope? Photograph: Fabio Frustaci/EPA
"As the Catholic world watches, a new pope is chosen. Here’s the background and significance of this decision."
As the world watched in anticipation, the white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the Cardinals had made their decision who will be the 267th Pope. The Catholic Church has a new leader.
With the selection of Pope Leo XIV, a new chapter in the Vatican’s storied history began. Here is what we know so far about their selection.
Despite the Vatican’s longstanding opposition to the idea of a pope from the US because of the country’s superpower status and secular global influence, the moderate, Chicago-born Prevost is still one to watch. Created a cardinal by Francis in 2023, the former leader of the Augustinian order was also appointed by the late pope to the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, which oversees the selection of new bishops from around the world. Those senior roles, combined with the fact that he has significant missionary experience in Peru, having served as bishop of the northern city of Chiclayo, may go some way to redeeming him in the eyes of those who would not usually countenance the idea of an American pope.
