Sarah Mitchell
On the 9th of May 2025, Robert Francis Prevost became the first US-born pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The election of an American pope has been controversial, with some believing that the United States wields too much power in the world to also hold the papacy. Pope Leo XIV's social media footprint has also been scrutinised, with some messages appearing to be critical of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | May 8, 2025 |
| Event | Cardinals met for their first conclave vote to elect the next pope |
| Location | Sistine Chapel |
| Outcome | No pope elected; black smoke billowed from the chimney |
| New Development | Robert Francis Prevost, the first U.S.-born pope, was elected on May 9, 2025 |
| Pope's Name | Pope Leo XIV |
| Pope's Previous Role | Cardinal |
| Pope's Previous Actions | Posted messages on social media that appeared critical of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance |
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What You'll Learn
Robert Francis Prevost becomes the first US-born Pope
On May 9, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. This marked a significant moment in history as he became the first US-born Pope, causing a mix of excitement and disappointment among the people.
Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in the nearby suburb of Dolton. He comes from a family of educators and practicing Catholics. Prevost himself followed in the Catholic footsteps, becoming a friar of the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and being ordained as a priest in 1982. He has an extensive educational background, having earned a Doctor of Canon Law (JCD) degree in 1987 from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
Prevost's career in the Catholic Church has been illustrious. He has served in various roles, including as a priest, canon lawyer, Augustinian prior general, bishop, cardinal, and Vatican prefect. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, and he later became the Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015. During his time in Peru, Prevost played a crucial role in ensuring institutional stability during successive political crises. He also served as the vice-president of the Peruvian Bishops' Conference from 2018 to 2023. In 2023, Pope Francis recalled him to Rome and appointed him to the powerful position of Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, responsible for selecting bishops.
Prevost's election as Pope came as a surprise to many, especially given the long-held belief that the United States already holds substantial power in the world, and the papacy should not be added to that. However, his extensive experience and knowledge of different cultures, having spent significant time in Peru and Italy, may have contributed to his election.
As Pope Leo XIV, Prevost now faces the task of leading the Catholic Church's 1.4 billion faithful. He has expressed interest in various issues, including missionary dialogue, engagement with social and technological challenges, climate change, global migration, church governance, and human rights. He has also shown alignment with the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.
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Pope Leo XIV's public Mass schedule for August and September
On Sunday, August 3, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate Mass for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time at Tor Vergata University in Rome. This Mass is part of the Jubilee of Youth. Pope Leo XIV will then be in the Vatican in mid-August. On Friday, August 15, he will celebrate Mass at the pontifical parish of Castel Gandolfo for the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He will also pray the Angelus in the city's Liberty Square.
On Sunday, September 7, the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate Mass for the canonization of Blesseds Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis. This Mass will take place in St. Peter's Square at 10 am. Later in the month, on Sunday, September 28, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the Mass for the Jubilee of Catechists, also in St. Peter's Square at 10 am local time.
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Cardinals meet for the first time to elect a new Pope
On May 7, 2025, approximately 180 cardinals from 70 countries gathered in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel to elect the 267th Pope, following the death of Pope Francis. This was the first papal conclave in which fewer than half of the voting cardinals were European, marking a shift away from Eurocentrism in the Catholic Church. The cardinals, known as cardinal electors, are bishops and Vatican officials from across the globe, personally chosen by the pope, and recognised by their red vestments.
Before the conclave, the cardinals held a series of meetings called general congregations, where they discussed the challenges facing the Catholic Church and prepared for the papal election. They also took an oath of secrecy, sealing the doors of the Sistine Chapel.
The election process involves up to four rounds of voting per day, with each cardinal elector casting a secret ballot. To be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes. The ballots are then burned, with white smoke billowing from the chimney above the chapel to signal a successful election, and black smoke indicating that no pope has yet been chosen.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the first US-born Pope, was elected on May 9, 2025, after several rounds of voting. He was known as Cardinal Robert Prevost before becoming Pope Leo XIV.
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Pope Leo XIV prays for victims and families affected by the Texas floods
In the wake of the devastating floods that have ravaged Texas, Pope Leo XIV has offered his heartfelt prayers and solidarity with all those affected by this natural disaster. The Pope, known for his deep empathy and concern for those in need, has once again demonstrated his commitment to standing with people during times of crisis and tragedy. This gesture of prayer and support will no doubt bring some measure of comfort to the people of Texas as they navigate the challenging days ahead.
Vatican City, Jul 15, 2025 — His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has directed his prayers and thoughts to Texas, where catastrophic flooding has claimed lives, displaced thousands, and caused widespread destruction. In a statement released by the Vatican, the Pope expressed his deepest sympathies and spiritual closeness to all those impacted by this tragic event. With rescue and recovery efforts still underway, the Pope's message of hope and consolation comes at a crucial time for the grieving communities.
"His Holiness Pope Leo XIV is deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life, injury, and destruction caused by the recent floods in Texas," the Vatican statement read. "He offers his heartfelt prayers for the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating natural disaster. Pope Leo XIV also prays for the first responders and volunteers who are working tirelessly to provide assistance and support to the impacted communities."
The Pope's message continued, urging strength and hope in the face of this tragedy. "In this moment of sadness and trial, may the people of Texas find comfort and support in their faith, and may the love and compassion of their neighbors bring some solace to their suffering. The Holy Father invokes God's blessings of strength and hope upon those affected and entrusts the souls of those who have died to the merciful love of Almighty God."
The outpouring of support and solidarity from the Vatican is a reminder of the global community's concern for Texas during this difficult time. Pope Leo XIV's prayers add to the chorus of compassion, offering spiritual solace and reminding those affected that they are not alone in their grief and recovery. As the world offers its support, the resilience and strength of the people of Texas will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their healing and rebuilding process.
As Texas begins the long road to recovery, the prayers and support of Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican will undoubtedly bring some solace and strength to those in need. The Pope's message of hope and compassion will accompany the people of Texas as they rebuild their lives, heal their wounds, and emerge stronger from this tragic event.
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Pope Leo XIV's first public event in Castel Gandolfo
Pope Leo XIV arrived at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, a town overlooking Lake Alban in the hills south of Rome, on Sunday, July 6, 2025, for a six-week vacation. This marked the first public event of the newly elected Pope in the town. Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born Pope in history, and his election has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing disappointment due to the belief that the United States already holds too much power.
The Pope's inaugural public event in Castel Gandolfo attracted a large and diverse crowd, with thousands of people lining the main street to welcome him for Mass at the parish of St. Thomas of Villanova. This event also marked the resumption of a centuries-old tradition, as Pope Francis had shunned the summer retreat during his 12-year pontificate, choosing to remain in his humble Vatican residence instead.
During his stay in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV is expected to have a handful of public events, including Masses and Sunday noon prayers. However, it is understood that he will also use this time to rest, reflect, and recharge, as his schedule since his election has been busy with inaugural audiences, outings, and Holy Year celebrations.
On May 29, 2025, prior to his summer vacation, Pope Leo XIV made a surprise excursion to the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, where he visited the Borgo Laudato Sì project initiated by Pope Francis. This project is dedicated to formation and education on the theme of the earth as our "common home," reflecting the principles of integral ecology. During this visit, he also reflected on the courageous actions of Pope Pius XII, who provided refuge to over 12,000 people during World War II.
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Frequently asked questions
Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, is the current Pope and the first U.S.-born Pope.
The Vatican recently held a papal conclave to elect a new pope. Pope Leo XIV has also recently held his first public Mass in the town of Castel Gandolfo.
Pope Leo XIV has recently prayed for the victims and families affected by the recent flood disaster in Texas.
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