Pope Leo XIV: The First American Pope and His Vision for the Catholic Church

On May 8, 2025, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signalling the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history. This historic moment marks a significant shift for the global institution, as the 69-year-old Augustinian friar brings a unique blend of American roots, Latin American experience, and Vatican insider expertise to the papacy. As the 267th successor to St. Peter, Pope Leo XIV’s background, views, and priorities offer clues about the future direction of the Catholic Church in a polarised world grappling with social, environmental, and spiritual challenges.

A Chicago Native with a Global Perspective

Born in 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Prevost grew up in a devout Catholic family of French, Italian, and Spanish immigrant descent in the south suburban town of Dolton. His parents were deeply involved in their parish, with his mother active in the Altar & Rosary Society and his father serving as a lector. This environment nurtured Prevost’s faith from an early age, and he served as an altar boy before pursuing a vocation with the Augustinian order. 

 

Prevost’s academic journey took him to Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in mathematics, followed by theological studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he obtained a Master’s of Divinity. Ordained a priest in 1982, he was sent to Peru in 1985, beginning a decades-long ministry that would shape his worldview and pastoral approach. In Peru, he worked as a missionary, serving marginalised communities in Trujillo and later as Bishop and Archbishop of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023. He became a Peruvian citizen in 2015, cementing his deep ties to Latin America.

 

In 2023, Pope Francis called Prevost to Rome, appointing him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful role overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide, and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Francis made him a cardinal in 2023, and in early 2025, elevated him to the highest rank of cardinals, signalling his trust in Prevost as a potential successor. This rapid rise reflects Prevost’s reputation as a steady, reform-minded leader with a global outlook.

Views: Continuity with Francis, with a Centrist Touch

Pope Leo XIV is widely seen as a continuity candidate, aligning with the reformist spirit of Pope Francis, particularly on issues like social justice, environmental stewardship, and outreach to the marginalised. However, his approach is described as centrist, balancing progressive social priorities with traditional doctrinal stances, which may shape his papacy’s tone and priorities.

Social Justice and the Environment

Prevost shares Francis’s emphasis on the poor, migrants, and environmental care. His years in Peru, working with underserved communities, instilled a deep concern for economic inequality and social exclusion. In a 2020 tweet, he called for Church leaders to “reject racism and seek justice,” signalling a commitment to addressing systemic inequalities. On climate change, he has echoed Francis’s urgency, advocating for a shift “from words to action” and a “relationship of reciprocity” with the environment. He has highlighted Vatican initiatives like solar panels and electric vehicles as steps toward sustainability. 

 

His choice of the name Leo XIV is significant, evoking Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903), whose encyclical Rerum Novarum laid the foundation for Catholic social justice teachings, addressing workers’ rights and economic fairness during the Industrial Revolution. Observers see this as a signal that Leo XIV intends to prioritise social justice in a world facing economic disparities, migration crises, and climate challenges.

Church Reform and Synodality

Prevost has embraced Francis’s vision of a “synodal” Church—one that listens, dialogues, and involves the laity in decision-making. In his first address from St. Peter’s Basilica, he called for a “missionary Church” that “builds bridges” and engages in “dialogue with love,” emphasising unity and outreach. As prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, he supported Francis’s revolutionary reform of including three women in the voting bloc for bishop nominations, praising their contributions as an “enrichment” to the discernment process. This suggests he will continue to expand women’s roles in Church governance, though he has opposed ordaining women as deacons, indicating a conservative stance on sacramental roles.

Social Issues and Doctrine

On contentious social issues, Prevost appears to tread a middle path. He has supported Francis’s 2023 declaration allowing blessings for same-sex couples and those in “irregular situations,” but emphasised that such blessings must be interpreted within local cultural contexts. This nuanced stance suggests openness to pastoral flexibility without altering Church doctrine, which remains traditional on issues like marriage and sexuality. His views on LGBTQ+ inclusion are less explicit than Francis’s, leading some conservative groups to speculate he may be less welcoming, though no clear evidence supports this.

 

Prevost’s tenure in Peru was not without controversy, as allegations surfaced that he covered up sexual abuse claims, which his diocese denied. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) urged the new pope to prioritise justice for abuse victims, reflecting ongoing pressure to address the Church’s abuse crisis decisively. How Leo XIV responds to this issue will be a critical test of his leadership.

Geopolitical Engagement

As an American pope with Latin American ties, Leo XIV is uniquely positioned to navigate global tensions. His election breaks the informal taboo against a U.S. pope, previously seen as risky due to America’s geopolitical dominance. His Peruvian citizenship and ministry experience may have eased concerns among cardinals, presenting him as a bridge between the Global North and South. Observers note his diplomatic sensitivity, honed in Vatican roles, will be crucial in addressing issues like migration, religious freedom, and conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan.

 

His relationship with the U.S. political landscape, particularly the Trump administration, will be closely watched. Francis’s 2025 letter rebuking Trump’s mass deportation plans highlighted Vatican concerns about the politicisation of Christianity. Prevost’s American background may equip him to engage U.S. politics with nuance, though his call for “peace” and “dialogue” suggests a preference for moral guidance over direct confrontation.

What This Means for the Future of the Church

Pope Leo XIV’s papacy signals both continuity and evolution for the Catholic Church. His alignment with Francis’s priorities—synodality, social justice, and environmental care—suggests the Church will continue its outward focus, engaging a world marked by division and despair. The choice of a non-European pope, following Francis’s Latin American papacy, underscores the Church’s growing embrace of its global constituency, particularly in the Global South, where Catholicism is expanding rapidly.

A Unifying Voice in a Polarised World

At 69, Leo XIV could have a long pontificate, potentially spanning a decade or more. His call for a Church that “builds bridges” and his emphasis on peace position him as a unifying figure amid global polarisation. His multicultural background—American-born, Peruvian citizen, Vatican veteran—equips him to address the diverse needs of 1.4 billion Catholics. However, he faces the challenge of healing internal Church divisions, particularly between progressive and conservative factions, exacerbated by Francis’s reforms. His centrist approach may help, but navigating issues like women’s roles, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and abuse scandals will require deft leadership.

Strengthening the Global South

Prevost’s Latin American experience aligns with the Church’s demographic shift toward Africa, Asia, and South America, where membership is growing. His election reflects Francis’s legacy of diversifying the College of Cardinals, with 80% of the 2025 conclave’s voters appointed by him. Leo XIV is likely to prioritise the Global South’s concerns, such as poverty, climate change, and debt crises, as highlighted by Christine Allen of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development. This focus could enhance the Church’s relevance in regions where it is thriving, while addressing declining membership in Europe and North America.

Addressing the Abuse Crisis

The shadow of the clergy abuse scandal looms large. SNAP’s open letter to the new pope underscores the urgency of delivering justice to survivors, criticising past complicity by cardinals and popes. Leo XIV’s response to these demands will define his moral authority. His Peruvian diocese’s denial of cover-up allegations suggests a defensive posture, but his Vatican role overseeing bishop selections indicates familiarity with the need for accountability. A proactive approach—perhaps adopting Cardinal Anders Arborelius’s idea of a papal advisory cabinet—could strengthen governance and restore trust.

A Steady Hand with a Social Justice Core

Unlike Francis, known for his spontaneity, Leo XIV is described as a “mild-mannered” leader offering a “steadier hand” at the Vatican’s helm. His low profile on controversial issues may allow him to avoid the lightning-rod status Francis occasionally attracted, particularly from U.S. conservatives who criticised Francis’s Argentine perspective. Yet, his commitment to social justice, inspired by Leo XIII, suggests he will not shy away from addressing systemic issues like poverty, migration, and climate change, potentially challenging political powers, including in the U.S.

Conclusion

Pope Leo XIV’s election as the first American pope is a historic milestone, reflecting the Catholic Church’s global evolution. His background—rooted in Chicago, shaped by Peru, and refined in the Vatican—positions him as a bridge-builder in a fractured world. His views, blending Francis’s reformist spirit with a centrist doctrinal stance, suggest a papacy focused on unity, social justice, and environmental stewardship, while cautiously navigating divisive issues like LGBTQ+ inclusion and women’s roles.

 

For the future, Leo XIV faces the daunting task of leading 1.4 billion Catholics through geopolitical tensions, internal divisions, and the ongoing abuse crisis. His call for a “missionary Church” that “walks together” signals an inclusive vision, but translating this into action will test his diplomatic and pastoral skills. As he steps into this role, the world watches to see how this Augustinian friar, with a heart for the poor and a mind for reform, will shape the Catholic Church’s path forward.

The Conclave Has Begun

 

The conclave has begun and is the process by which cardinals of the Catholic Church elect a new pope. Here's a brief overview:

 

1. Preparation: After a pope dies or resigns, cardinals under 80 years old gather in Vatican City. The process is governed by strict rules, ensuring secrecy and isolation.
2. Seclusion: Cardinals are sequestered in the Sistine Chapel and nearby residences, cut off from the outside world—no phones, internet, or external communication.
3. Voting: Voting occurs in the Sistine Chapel, with up to four ballots per day (two morning, two afternoon). Cardinals write a name on a secret ballot. A two-thirds majority is needed to elect a pope.
4. Counting and Burning: Ballots are counted by scrutineers. If no candidate gets two-thirds, the ballots are burned with a chemical to produce black smoke, signalling no decision. If a pope is elected, ballots are burned to produce white smoke, indicating success.
5. Acceptance and Announcement: The elected cardinal is asked if he accepts. If he does, he chooses a papal name. The new pope is announced to the world from St. Peter’s Basilica with the words Habemus Papam (“We have a pope”).

The process continues until a pope is chosen, typically lasting a few days. Secrecy and tradition are central, with measures like oath-taking and electronic sweeps to prevent leaks.

Pope Francis’ Funeral Tomorrow: A Global Farewell in Rome

 

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the world will bid a final farewell to Pope Francis, whose passing has marked the end of a transformative papacy. The funeral, set to take place in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, will be a significant global event, drawing millions of mourners, world leaders, and faithful Catholics to honour the late pontiff. With a meticulously planned programme of events, the ceremony will blend ancient papal traditions with the simplicity that defined Francis’ tenure. Here’s a detailed look at the timing, programme, notable attendees, and what to expect during this historic occasion.

Timing and Venue

The funeral Mass for Pope Francis is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM local time (08:00 GMT, 09:00 BST) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office via Vatican News on April 22, 2025. The choice of St. Peter’s Square, weather permitting, aligns with longstanding tradition for papal funerals, allowing a large gathering of the faithful to participate. The ceremony is expected to last approximately 2½ hours, reflecting the solemnity and ritualistic nature of the event.

 

Today, April 25, marks the final day for mourners to pay their respects, with St. Peter’s Basilica remaining open until 18:00 local time (17:00 BST) for those wishing to view Pope Francis’ body lying in state, according to a BBC News report. Thousands have already queued for this last opportunity, a testament to the global outpouring of grief for the pontiff known for his humility and advocacy for the marginalised.

Programme of Events

The funeral will follow a structured programme, blending conventional Catholic funeral rites with unique papal rituals, as outlined by NBC News on April 24, 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the key moments:

 

• 10:00 AM: Funeral Mass Begins
  The Mass, primarily conducted in Latin, will be presided over by a senior cardinal, likely the Dean of the College of Cardinals, as is customary. The service will include readings, prayers, and hymns reflecting Pope Francis’ legacy of compassion and social justice. The Swiss Guards, who have protected the pope since 1506, will kneel during the consecration of the host, a poignant moment symbolising the Catholic belief in the transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.
• Homily and Tributes
  A homily will be delivered, focusing on Francis’ contributions to the Church, including his emphasis on environmental stewardship (notably through his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’) and his outreach to the poor and marginalised. Tributes may also highlight his efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy and his calls for interfaith dialogue.
• Ultima Commendatio and Valedictio
  Toward the end of the Mass, the Ultima Commendatio (Final Commendation) and Valedictio (Farewell) will take place, marking the formal conclusion of the funeral rites. These ancient rituals signify the Church’s entrustment of the pope’s soul to God and the beginning of the Novemdiales, a nine-day period of mourning and Masses for the repose of Francis’ soul.
• Procession and Burial
  Following the Mass, Pope Francis’ body will be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica for a brief private ceremony. In a historic break from tradition, Francis will not be buried in the crypt at St. Peter’s, where most popes have been laid to rest for over a century. Instead, his body will be transported to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, a site he held dear, for burial. This decision reflects Francis’ desire for simplicity and his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, often expressed during his papacy.

Notable Guests and Attendees

A pope’s funeral traditionally brings together world leaders, dignitaries, and religious figures, and Pope Francis’ ceremony will be no exception. According to a Sky News report from April 24, 2025, several high-profile figures have confirmed their attendance:

 

• U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump: Trump announced on Truth Social earlier this week that he and Melania would attend the funeral in Rome, recalling his 2017 meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican. The U.S. delegation underscores the global significance of the event, despite past tensions between Trump and Francis on issues like immigration and climate change.
• French President Emmanuel Macron: Macron, who met with Pope Francis as recently as December 2024, confirmed his attendance to local French reporters. His presence highlights the strong ties between France and the Vatican, often referred to as the “eldest daughter of the Church.”
• Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and First Lady Janja Lula da Silva: Brazil, home to the world’s largest Catholic population, will be represented by President Lula, who met Francis at the G7 summit in 2024. The Brazilian government announced their attendance, reflecting Francis’ deep connection with Latin America.

Other expected attendees include monarchs, such as King Felipe VI of Spain, and representatives from various religious communities, given Francis’ commitment to interfaith dialogue. The College of Cardinals, who will soon convene to elect a new pope, will also play a prominent role in the ceremony.

What to Expect: A Simpler Affair

While the funeral will be a grand event watched by millions worldwide, it will reflect Pope Francis’ preference for simplicity, as noted by BBC News. Unlike the lavish ceremonies of some predecessors, such as Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005, Francis requested a more modest farewell. This aligns with his papacy’s focus on humility—he famously chose to live in a Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace and often shunned ornate vestments.

 

The ceremony will still carry the weight of tradition, with elements dating back over 2,000 years, as highlighted by NBC News. These include the use of Latin, the presence of the Swiss Guards, and the formal rites of the Ultima Commendatio. However, the decision to be buried at St. Mary Major rather than St. Peter’s crypt underscores Francis’ desire to break from certain conventions, mirroring his broader efforts to reform and modernise the Church.

Global Impact and the Road Ahead

Pope Francis’ funeral marks the beginning of the interregnum, the period between his death and the election of a new pope, as explained by NBC News. During this time, the College of Cardinals will prepare for a conclave to choose Francis’ successor, a process steeped in centuries-old rituals. The Novemdiales mourning period will also see Masses held across the world for the repose of Francis’ soul, reflecting his universal impact.

 

For the faithful, this funeral is not just a goodbye but a moment to reflect on Francis’ legacy—a papacy defined by calls for mercy, environmental action, and solidarity with the marginalised. As St. Peter’s Square fills with mourners tomorrow, the world will pause to honour a pope who sought to bridge divides and bring the Church closer to the people.

How to Follow the Funeral

The funeral will be broadcast live on major global networks, including BBC, Sky News, and Vatican News, starting at 09:00 BST. For those unable to attend in person, these outlets will provide comprehensive coverage, capturing both the solemnity of the event and the global outpouring of grief for Pope Francis.

Pope Francis Dies

 

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff, died on April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM CEST in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City. He was 88. The Vatican announced his passing, attributing it to complications from bilateral pneumonia following a 38-day hospitalisation earlier that year. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, delivered the sombre news, praising Francis’s life of “fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.”

 

Born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents, Mario Bergoglio and Regina Sívori, Francis grew up in a working-class neighbourhood. The eldest of five children, he trained as a chemical technician and worked briefly as a nightclub bouncer before a severe respiratory illness at 21—requiring the removal of part of a lung—sparked his call to the priesthood. Joining the Jesuits in 1958, he was ordained in 1969, later serving as Argentina’s Jesuit provincial superior and Archbishop of Buenos Aires, where he earned a reputation for humility and social justice advocacy during the 2001 economic crisis. Elevated to cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II, he emerged as a global figure.

 

Elected pope on March 13, 2013, following Benedict XVI’s historic resignation, Francis chose his name in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, signalling his commitment to simplicity and care for the poor. His papacy redefined the modern Church, blending pastoral warmth with bold reforms. Rejecting the opulent papal apartments for a modest suite in Casa Santa Marta, he shunned pomp, often travelling in a Fiat and embracing a “Church which is poor and for the poor.” His informal style—marked by gestures like washing the feet of refugees and prisoners—earned him the moniker “the People’s Pope.”

 

Francis’s 12-year papacy was transformative yet polarising. His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ framed climate change as a moral imperative, influencing global environmental discourse. He championed migrants, the marginalised, and interreligious dialogue, notably visiting conflict zones and fostering ties with Muslim and Jewish leaders. His 2013 remark, “Who am I to judge?” regarding gay clergy, signalled unprecedented openness to the LGBTQ community, though he stopped short of altering doctrine on same-sex unions. He appointed women to senior Vatican roles and overhauled the Curia to curb financial corruption, but conservatives criticised his reforms as lax on tradition, with some, like Cardinal George Pell, calling his papacy a “catastrophe.”

 

Health challenges shadowed his later years. Chronic lung issues, compounded by his youth surgery, led to bouts of bronchitis and influenza. In 2021, he underwent colon surgery, and by 2022, knee pain and sciatica confined him to a wheelchair. His final hospitalisation in February 2025 for a respiratory crisis and pneumonia was marked by critical moments, including kidney failure and mechanical ventilation. Despite a brief recovery, his condition deteriorated after a public appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, where he blessed crowds from St. Peter’s Square.

 

Francis’s legacy is one of paradox: a humble reformer who clashed with traditionalists, a global advocate for peace who couldn’t end conflicts like Ukraine’s, and a unifying figure in a divided Church. He appointed nearly 80% of the cardinal electors, tilting the conclave toward his progressive vision, though his successor’s path remains uncertain. In 2024, he approved simplified funeral rites, reflecting his wish for a modest farewell focused on faith, not worldly power. He will be laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, breaking a century-long Vatican tradition.

 

Tributes poured in on X, reflecting his complex legacy. One user hailed him as “one of the kindest, most accepting popes,” while another noted the “division” his reforms sparked, anticipating a contentious conclave. World leaders, from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to French President Emmanuel Macron, praised his compassion for the fragile.

 

Pope Francis is survived by his sister, María Elena Bergoglio, and niece, Cristina Bergoglio. His funeral Mass, guided by his updated rites, is forthcoming. As the Church enters sede vacante, the world mourns a pastor who sought to make the Gospel a living force for the marginalised, leaving a Church forever changed.