Habemus Papam: Reflections on Pope Leo XIV’s Historic Election
A Joyful Proclamation and Historic Election
On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church echoed with the ancient words “Habemus Papam” – Latin for “We have a pope”. White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney in the evening, signaling that the cardinal electors had chosen a new pope. Embed from Getty Images Shortly after, the senior Cardinal Deacon stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and formally announced the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome.
This announcement was a moment of immense joy and significance. The crowds in St. Peter’s Square burst into applause and prayer as the bells rang. Moments later, Pope Leo XIV appeared on the central loggia, smiling and visibly moved. He imparted his first Urbi et Orbi blessing – the blessing “to the city (Rome) and the world” – and greeted the people in Italian, “Peace be with you all!” This simple, heartfelt greeting, delivered in the traditional white papal attire, set a tone of peace and hope at the start of his pontificate. It was the first time an American pope stood on that balcony, making this Habemus Papam unlike any before it in the Church’s 2,000-year history.
Who Is Pope Leo XIV? An American Pope’s Journey
Pope Leo XIV was born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, and grew up in a devout Catholic family in Chicago, Illinois. At 69 years old, he is making history as the first pope born in the United States. He is also the first member of the Order of St. Augustine to become pope, bringing the rich spiritual heritage of the Augustinian tradition to the papacy. Though American by birth, Leo XIV’s life has been truly international: he spent many years as a missionary in Peru and is fluent in multiple languages, including Spanish – experiences that give him a broad, global perspective.
Prevost’s path to the papacy reflects a blend of intellectual preparation and pastoral service. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Villanova University and later a doctorate in canon law from Rome’s Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum). In 1977 he entered the Augustinian order, and after seminary studies he was ordained a priest in 1982. As an Augustinian friar, he embraced a missionary calling – serving in Peru for over a decade in the 1980s and 90s, where he trained seminarians, taught theology, and worked in poor parishes. His leadership gifts led him to be elected Prior General (worldwide leader) of the Augustinian Order in 2001, a role he held for 12 years.
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Apostolic Administrator (and soon after, bishop) of Chiclayo in Peru, recognizing his deep connection to the Latin American Church. He served as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023, shepherding that diocese and gaining a reputation as a humble, people-centered pastor. His episcopal motto – “In Illo Uno Unum” (“In the One Christ we are one”) – reflected his commitment to unity in the Church. In January 2023, Pope Francis called him back to Rome to serve as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, the Vatican office that oversees the selection of bishops worldwide. In this influential post, Cardinal Prevost worked closely on shaping the leadership of the Church across the globe, emphasizing that bishops must be above all true witnesses to Christ. Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of Cardinal later that year, in the consistory of September 30, 2023.
As a close collaborator of Pope Francis and a fellow American from the Americas (Leo XIV is now the second pope ever from the New World, after Francis), Cardinal Prevost was seen by many as a bridge between cultures.
The Meaning Behind the Name “Leo XIV”
While Pope Leo XIV has not yet publicly shared the reason for his choice of name, many Catholics and commentators see the name “Leo” as symbolically rich.
First, it evokes the memory of Pope Leo XIII, the late 19th-century pontiff who authored Rerum Novarum, a foundational text of Catholic social teaching. Leo XIII defended the rights of workers, emphasized the dignity of labor, and called the Church to be an advocate for the poor—principles that align with Pope Francis’s and now Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral focus.
Second, the name “Leo” inevitably recalls St. Leo the Great, a fifth-century pope and Doctor of the Church. St. Leo is remembered for his courage in defending Rome from invasion, his theological clarity at the Council of Chalcedon, and his vision of papal service rooted in both authority and humility. Choosing “Leo” may reflect Pope Leo XIV’s desire to embody the same pastoral strength and doctrinal fidelity during turbulent times.
Though no official explanation has been given, the dual symbolic resonance of the name connects Pope Leo XIV with both social justice and spiritual leadership, underscoring the values he may seek to emphasize in his pontificate.
Significance for the Church in the U.S. and Worldwide
The election of Pope Leo XIV has stirred excitement and hope among Catholics in the United States and around the world. Many American Catholics are expressing pride that one of their own now sits in the Chair of St. Peter. In St. Peter’s Square, pilgrims waved the Stars and Stripes alongside the papal yellow-and-white flag, and hymns of praise rang out in multiple languages. The image of a man holding up a rosary entwined with the American flag amid the cheering crowd captured the historic nature of the moment – an American pope, uniting symbols of faith and country, for the first time ever.
Church leaders and observers have noted that such an outcome was once deemed highly unlikely. Yet, Cardinal Prevost’s unique background helped pave the way for his election. His missionary work in Peru, his years of global service, and his deep understanding of both Latin American and Vatican contexts positioned him as a unifier—someone who understands the Church across cultures.
Globally, many expect Pope Leo XIV to carry forward the pastoral priorities of Pope Francis – from care for the poor and the environment to a more synodal (collaborative and listening) style of Church governance. He has already been described as “gentle, humble and spiritual… a pastor for all the people of God,” someone who can reach hearts across divides.
For the Church in the United States, Leo XIV’s papacy is an encouragement and a challenge. It is a moment of celebration for American Catholics to see one of their own elevated. But it is also a call to deeper unity, responsibility, and witness within the broader Catholic communion.
Prayers and Celebration – Looking Ahead with Faith
As Pope Leo XIV begins his ministry, the Catholic community is called to respond in the same way as when St. Peter became the first pope: with prayer and unity. The new Holy Father humbly asked the people in St. Peter’s Square to pray for him – a request every pope since St. John Paul II has echoed. In this reverent moment, we are reminded that the pope, though the leader of the Church, is also a servant of the servants of God who greatly benefits from our prayers.
In parish churches across the country, Masses of thanksgiving are being offered. Many faithful are praying the Rosary for the intentions of the new Pope, entrusting him to the loving protection of Mary, the Mother of the Church.
This historic event is also an occasion for devotional celebration. In times like this, Catholics often cherish tangible reminders of faith. Many will be looking for ways to commemorate the election of Pope Leo XIV in their homes and prayer lives. For instance, one might keep a holy card with Pope Leo XIV’s image and a prayer for the Holy Spirit to guide him. Some may choose to pray with a special rosary – perhaps a rosary in papal colors or one acquired as a keepsake of this event – asking Mary to intercede for the new Pope each day. Others might wear or carry a medal or pin bearing the papal coat of arms or the name “Leo XIV,” as a reminder of unity with the Successor of Peter. Such items, available through Catholic stores like ours, can serve as constant prompts to pray and to stay connected to this moment of grace for the Church.
Finally, we must not forget the devotional cry that rose spontaneously around the world upon news of the election: “Deo gratias!” – Thanks be to God. In a spirit of gratitude and hope, let us commit to praying for Pope Leo XIV every day. May his papacy be filled with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the protection of the holy angels and saints, and the prayerful support of all the faithful. As we rejoice in this new chapter of the Church, we join together in the prayer that has been on Catholic lips in recent days: “Lord, guard and guide Pope Leo XIV, and keep your Church united in faith, hope, and love.” Amen.
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