The Vatican’s conclave elected a new pope
Image: Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters
White smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel yesterday, signaling the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church—and the first US-born pope in the church’s 2,000-year history.
Prevost, 69, will assume the name Pope Leo XIV moving forward as he leads the world’s ~1.4 billion Catholic followers.
Background: Leo was born in Chicago to a father of French and Italian descent, and a mother of Spanish descent with Creole roots. He initially served as a priest at parishes in the Midwest city before moving to Peru.
Over the next 30+ years, Leo served in leadership roles within the Order of St. Augustine in both Chicago and Peru—where he became a naturalized citizen and was named Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015.
- The late Pope Francis appointed Leo as a cardinal in 2023 and worked alongside him in Rome.
- Prior to becoming pope, Leo ran the office that selects and manages bishops globally, considered one of the most influential posts in The Vatican. But heading into this week he wasn’t considered a top contender for pope by experts or the probably-not-Church-approved papal betting markets.
Where does Leo stand on major issues? The incoming pope is expected to be a unifying figure after years of ideological tensions between the progressive and conservative wings of the Catholic Church under Pope Francis.
- As a cardinal, Leo rarely took an outspoken stance on the more polarizing issues within the church, like priestly celibacy or blessings for same-sex couples.
- However, he’s drawn criticism over his handling of priests accused of sexual abuse, like many other Catholic leaders in recent years.
Looking ahead…In his first address as pope, Leo stressed the importance of “synodality,” or a practice promoted under Francis that emphasizes gathering input from clergy and laypeople alike about major challenges facing the church.
📊 Flash poll (long-form): What are your thoughts on the election of Pope Leo XIV? Click one of the options below to leave a response. The most thoughtful answers from Catholics and non-Catholics alike will be featured in Monday’s newsletter.
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Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that in many ways, Leo is regarded as a pope in the mold of the late Francis—but he’s also a pragmatic consensus choice who should be able to navigate widening geographic and doctrinal divisions.
- Others contend that it’s possible a time of waning American presence in the world opened the door to an American pope, as The Vatican is quite cognizant of the US’ role in the world.
- “A pope from Chicago can help bridge Catholic divides” –WaPo Editorial Board
- “An American Pope? Maybe It Wasn’t So Impossible.” –Daniel J. Wakin, NY Times
- “Is Pope Leo XIV a 'WOKE MARXIST POPE'? He is if you're a Trump supporter.” –Rex Huppke, USA Today
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that the new pope needs to be a skilled administrator—and perhaps the conclave saw that in Cardinal Prevost, or maybe he was a compromise candidate between progressive and conservative factions.
- Others contend that Leo XIV will hopefully be a solid witness to the dignity of every life when it comes to abortion and euthanasia, but there are some apprehensions around his promotion of Francis-backed “synodality.”
- “An American Pope, Leo XIV” –WSJ Editorial Board
- “An American Pope: Welcome Leo XIV” –National Review Editorial Board
- Welcome, Pope Leo XIV, Chicago’s Holy Father” –Chicago Tribune Editorial Board
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