A new Pope was elected on May 8, with Robert Francis Prevost being the fortunate one, announced by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti. The white smoke emanated from the Sistine Chapel, marking the election of the 133rd pope, in a moment filled with joy and emotion for the more than 40,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square.
Robert Francis Prevost, an American national, was selected by Francis to lead the bishops around the world and his commission for Latin America. The new Pontiff, Leon XIV, is a member of the Order of St. Augustine and will face various challenges regarding the progressive legacy of his predecessor.
In his first public message, Leon XIV expressed his gratitude to Francis and called to build bridges of peace and seek justice without fear. Addressing part of his speech in Spanish, he greeted his beloved diocese of Chiclayo in Peru. Prevost, born in Chicago in 1955, is currently the prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.
Prevost, who has closely served with the late Pope Francis, has dedicated his ecclesiastical career to diplomatic service and teaching in his country. Appointed bishop of Chiclayo in 2015 by Pope Francis, he has faced challenges such as the crisis of abuses by the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae group.
The new leader of the Catholic Church was acclaimed by the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, who eagerly awaited the announcement of "Habemus papam". With information from EFE, the election of Leon XIV as Pope has marked a new chapter in the history of the Vatican.
