As 6:07 p.m. rolled around in the center of Vatican City, a centuries-old custom came to life once more. The audience in St. Peter’s Square, who were waiting impatiently, felt waves of delight when white smoke rose elegantly from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney. Nuns’ eyes filled with tears, priests made the sign of the cross, and a chorus of “Viva il Papa!” erupted, meaning “Long live the Pope!”
There was no doubt about the message: a new pope had been chosen.
The Context of the Smoke
The outcome of the College of Cardinals’ covert conclave is shown by the color of the smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel. White smoke indicates the Church has a new leader; black smoke indicates no decision. It is an old-fashioned visual code that is more powerful than words.
The ballots are burned with special chemicals to create the distinctive white smoke, a custom that has been observed by the faithful worldwide since the 15th century.
From Chicago to St. Peter’s Chair
When the time came for the world to hear the words “Habemus Papam!” the new pope was revealed to be Robert Francis Prevost, who is now Pope Leo XIV.
He is the first American-born pope in history and is 69 years old. However, because of his decades of missionary work in Peru, he is also seen as being deeply Latin American. After being ordained in 1982, Prevost—who was born in 1955 in Chicago to Spanish and Franco-Italian parents—moved to Peru, where he taught in seminaries, worked directly with the impoverished, and gained widespread admiration.
After returning to the United States, he maintained his strong ties to Latin America by serving as the bishop of Chiclayo and then as a Cardinal under Pope Francis.
Why was “Leo” chosen?
His choice of name, Leo XIV, has deep symbolic meaning. It honors previous popes who stood firmly throughout periods of social, political, and religious upheaval.
Attila the Hun was contacted by Pope Leo I, who famously persuaded him from sacking Rome.
Rerum Novarum, the Church’s founding declaration on workers’ rights and economic justice, was written by Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903).
Pope Leo XIV appears to be indicating a papacy centered on justice, dignity, and unity in a world that is changing quickly by taking on this name.
His Initial Remarks as Pope
Pope Leo XIV spoke modestly and sincerely while standing on the balcony in front of a sea of candles, cameras, and emotion:
“We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us. United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together.”
His message was inclusive, and his tone was intimate. It prepared the way for a pontificate that offers compassion and continuity.
The Priorities of the Pope
Pope Leo XIV is relatively new to the position, but his record speaks for itself. He was renowned for his ability to listen, reform, and act boldly but sensibly while serving as a bishop, archbishop, and prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
His positions on important subjects are as follows:
Regarding social justice and poverty: He has worked with marginalized communities for decades and strongly supports Pope Francis’ goal of creating a “Church for the poor.”
Regarding the environment, he has urged going “from words to action,” supporting electric cars at the Vatican, renewable energy, and a healthy relationship with the earth.
Regarding women in leadership: He praised the historic decision to include women in the bishop selection process, describing their viewpoints as “an enrichment.”
Regarding LGBTQ+ issues: Although his whole opinions are yet unknown, he has hesitantly backed Pope Francis’ authorization to bless same-sex couples while urging respect for regional customs.
A Link Across Continents
Pope Leo XIV is a representation of the worldwide Church because of his unusual upbringing, which was influenced by Latin America and born in America. Despite his strong theological beliefs, he is personable. Pastoral, but administrative. firmly rooted in tradition while remaining open to change.
Growing up in an immigrant family, working with the impoverished in Peru, and advancing through the Church’s ranks, his life story exemplifies a universal experience of faith, hardship, and service.
Obstacles to Come
No pope ascends to the throne of St. Peter without a lot of responsibilities. Pope Leo XIV enters a difficult and divided world to heal the wounds left by abuse scandals, revitalize a Church that is seeing a decline in attendance, and navigate disputes over dogma and contemporary life.
However, he starts with a blessing that transcends time and space, language and geography, rather than with strength.
The Adventure Begins
Catholics and onlookers alike watch with interest, hope, and silent expectation as white smoke disappears into the past and Pope Leo XIV starts his liturgy. Will he expand on Francis’ reforms? Will he lead steadily or surprise everyone with innovative ideas?
There is no doubt that a new era in the Catholic Church’s history has begun, bringing with it a fresh perspective on the core beliefs of the world.