Historic Election of Pope Leo XIV Draws Thousands to St. Peter’s Square
Vatican City — St. Peter’s Square erupted in a chorus of “Leone! Leone! Leone!” as Robert Prevost was officially named Pope Leo XIV on Thursday. The announcement followed the sighting of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, indicating the election of a new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics after just two days of conclave voting.
In his debut appearance, Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowd with “Peace be upon you” and echoed sentiments from his predecessor, Pope Francis, reinforcing the theme that “God loves us, God loves everyone, and evil will not prevail.” His call for “a disarmed peace and a disarming peace through dialogue” delighted attendees, with many expressing hope for his inclusive vision.
Born in Chicago and having served in Peru’s impoverished areas, Leo XIV’s background aligns with Pope Francis’s advocacy for the poor. While he signifies continuity with Francis’s agenda, experts predict he will also respect Vatican traditions, evident in his decision to wear a red cape over his vestments, emphasizing the spiritual and temporal authority of the papacy.
The election was unexpected, concluded swiftly within three rounds of voting among 133 eligible cardinals, marking it the most diverse conclave in history, representing over 70 countries. This international representation is a testament to Francis’s legacy of broadening the Church’s global appeal.
Choosing the name Leo XIV nods to Pope Leo XIII, who championed social justice during a tumultuous time for workers. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni highlighted this choice as reflective of current technological and social challenges, signaling a potential return to a unified global Catholicism.
As crowds cheered for the new pope, anticipation grew about how Leo XIV will navigate the complexities of leadership amid the evolving political and social landscape.
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