White smoke came out of the Sistine Chapel and the bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang, announcing the election of the new Pope, who will be called Pope Leon XIV. After just over a day of deliberations among cardinals, Prevost headed to the sacristy, where he dressed in papal garments before his first public appearance. The official announcement of 'Habemus Papam' was made by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti at the Vatican.
Leon XIV is considered a young cardinal, at 69 years old, and becomes the first pope from the United States. He has expressed views in line with those of Pope Francis, advocating for a clergy close to the people. Donald Trump, president of the U.S., congratulated the new Pope, who has Peruvian nationality and was a close collaborator of the late Pope Francis.
Prevost, born in Chicago, arrived in Peru in 1985 as an Augustinian missionary. He studied at Villanova University and has had a distinguished career in the Church, being appointed Pope at the age of 69. He is noted for his work in Peru and for being an advocate of Francis's progressive legacy on issues such as the role of women in the Church, the acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, the environment, and migrants.
Pope Leon XIV will face significant challenges ahead, such as continuing the openness and progressivism of his predecessor or trying to unify a Church that has become polarized in recent times. The election of the new Pontiff has generated expectations and significance worldwide, with religious and political leaders expressing their opinions and congratulations.
