Francis Prevost Elected as New Pope Leo XIV ‎

Robert Francis Prevost, new pope. 

‎In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from the United States has been elected as the new Pope. 

‎

‎He will now be known as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first-ever American to lead the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.

‎

‎The announcement was made after white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, signaling that the College of Cardinals had reached a decision. The election follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.

‎

‎Pope Leo XIV, born in Chicago in 1955, has a deep background in missionary service, particularly in Latin America. Before his election, he was serving as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and had spent several years working in Peru, where he was beloved for his humility and dedication to the poor.

‎

‎In his first public address, the new Pope called for global unity, peace, and deeper compassion for the marginalized. “Let us walk together as a Church of hope and healing,” he said from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

‎

‎The election of an American pope is significant, especially at a time when the Church is facing major global challenges, including declining membership in some regions, rising persecution of Christians in others, and growing demands for internal reform.

‎

‎For South Sudanese Catholics, this moment is both spiritual and symbolic. “We welcome Pope Leo XIV with open hearts,” said Fr. John Luka of the Archdiocese of Juba. “We pray that he will stand with the suffering people around the world, including here in South Sudan.”

‎

‎Pope Leo XIV takes the name “Leo” in honor of Pope Leo XIII, known for his work on social justice and labor rights perhaps a sign that this new pope intends to continue addressing poverty and inequality worldwide.

‎

‎Stay with us for continued updates on this developing story and what the new papacy could mean for the Church in Africa.