Following the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church found itself in need of a new spiritual leader, and after just under two days of conclave voting, Francis’ successor emerged.
On May 8, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, heralding the announcement that American Cardinal Robert Prevost had been elected as the 267th pontiff.
Born in Chicago, Prevost marks a historic milestone as the first American pope in the Church’s two-millennium history.
Donald Trump, predictably, offered his perspective on the announcement, calling it a “great honor” for the United States.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Significantly, Prevost selected the papal name Leo XIV, a choice rich with Catholic historical resonance.
What significance lies behind Pope Leo’s chosen name?
By adopting this name, he has connected himself to a lineage known for powerful leadership and doctrinal precision.
While pontiffs aren’t required to change their names upon assuming the papacy, every pope for the past 470 years has done so, typically selecting a predecessor’s name to honor them and indicate an intention to follow their example.
The previous Leo—Leo XIII—served from 1878 to 1903. This Italian pope, born Gioacchino Vincenzo Raffaele Luigi Pecci, was renowned for his intellectual contributions and progressive social teachings during his era.
The Holy See’s director also addressed reporters regarding the significance of this name selection.
He explained that Pope Leo XIII is celebrated for his encyclical “Rerum Novarum,” meaning “Of New Things,” which is “considered to be the foundation for the modern social doctrine of the Church.”
In conversation with ABC News, Father Vito Crincoli added: “Looking to the history, Leos were strong popes. Like Leo XIII, he loved his people. He loved his people. His people, he considered man not a machine. A man’s work was a reflection of his dignity. We don’t know this yet, but it’d be really interesting to know why he took the name Leo.”
Prior to his elevation, Pope Leo served as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023, and led as the general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013.
Addressing the crowd at St. Peter’s Basilica, his first words as pope were “May peace be with all of you.”
Speaking of his predecessor, he continued: “The pope that blessed Rome gave his blessing to the whole world on that Easter morning. So let us follow up that blessing.”
“Together, we must try to find out how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, establishes dialogues. That’s always open to receive, on this piazza with open arms, to be able to receive everybody that needs our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.”