The new pope Leo XIV, who is he?
- Doyoung Lim
- Jul 1
- 1 min read
July 1, 2025
Doyoung Lim
Vatican City — May 8, 6 p.m. (local time) - White smoke rose from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, announcing that a new Pope had been elected. Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old from Chicago, stepped into his role as the 267th and the first U.S. pope. With thousands of cheering Catholics, he greeted the faithful with the words: “Peace be with you all.”
This is the fourth time, there have been so many votes in the conclave. It has been 17 days since Pope Francis died on the 21st of last month. The results were similar to those of the conclaves on the second day in 2005, when Benedict XVI was elected, and in 2013, when Pope Francis was elected, with four to five votes each.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish descent. After becoming a priest in June 1982, he dedicated over two decades to missionary work in Peru, where he served a significant role in social justice initiatives.
Upon this election, he chose the papal name of Leo XIV, inspired by Pope Leo XIII, who was known for contributing to workers’ rights and social justice. His choice is following Pope Leo XIV, who emphasized the importance of continuing the reforms by Pope Francis, aiming at modernizing the church and encouraging inclusive relationships with other faiths.
