Following a period of deliberation that began on May 7, the assembly of 134 cardinals has finally rendered its decision.
The American Robert Francis Prevost, who will now bear the name Leo XIV, has been chosen. This unprecedented appointment, proclaimed from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, marks a historic turning point: for the first time in two thousand years, an American citizen becomes the successor of Saint Peter.
The cardinal college’s decision transcends national considerations. While the election of an American pope represents a remarkable event in Church history, it primarily reflects the search for a leader capable of uniting a Church facing growing ideological divisions.
Those close to Leo XIV describe him as a pragmatic pastor, fluent in multiple languages, attentive to others, and deeply rooted in the spirituality of marginalized populations. Born in Chicago, he dedicated a significant portion of his ministry in Peru, working directly with Latin American social realities. He thus symbolizes a global Church, rejecting divisions and political labels.
In his first address, the new pontiff emphasized the importance of “pursuing peace and justice”, calling for Church unity in facing contemporary challenges. The choice of the name Leo is meaningful: it evokes several significant pontiffs, particularly Leo XIII, whose social teaching influenced the modern Church.
This call for unity and reconciliation resonates particularly in our divided world, marked by armed conflicts, population exodus, environmental challenges, and a crisis of faith in religious institutions.
Leo XIV’s advent comes at a crucial moment for the Catholic Church. Francis’s pontificate left a significant imprint: openness to the peripheries, priority on mercy, environmental commitment. These directions, however, sparked debates.
The conclave had to arbitrate between different visions. By choosing a personality rooted in Southern pastoral work while originating from the North, the cardinals sent a clear message: the Church aims to overcome its internal divisions and reaffirm its prophetic mission.
From Lima to Chicago, reactions mix enthusiasm, interest, and questions. While many faithful welcome this innovative choice, some analysts wonder: what stance will he take on sensitive issues like women’s roles, Curia modernization, or handling previous scandals?
