The election of Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope on May 8, 2025, marks a historic milestone for the Catholic Church. For the first time, an American assumes leadership of the Holy See, breaking centuries of European and Latin American dominance in the papacy. Prevost, a 69-year-old cardinal from Chicago, was chosen in a conclave of 135 cardinals in the Sistine Chapel following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. His journey, defined by ecclesiastical administration and Augustinian mission, sparks curiosity about the Church’s future direction.
The selection process, initiated after a nine-day mourning period, was conducted with secrecy and tradition. Cardinals from across the globe, including seven from Brazil, voted in secret rounds until securing the required two-thirds majority. Prevost, who took the papal name John XXIV, emerges as a figure balancing progressive and conservative factions. His appointment reflects the diverse makeup of the College of Cardinals, shaped by Pope Francis with representatives from global peripheries.
The Catholic Church, with 1.4 billion faithful, now prepares for a new chapter. Prevost steps into a role amid global challenges, including secularization, ethical conflicts, and the need for interfaith dialogue. His experience as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and his canon law background suggest a pontificate focused on governance and unity.
- American origin: Prevost is the first U.S.-born pope, a landmark for the Church.
- 2025 conclave: The election concluded in under two days, signaling consensus.
- Augustinian mission: His formation emphasizes simplicity and service to the poor.
Roots of an unlikely leader
Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to a middle-class family with Irish and Italian roots. Raised in a Catholic environment, he joined the Order of Saint Augustine as a young man, becoming a priest in 1982. His ecclesiastical career began with pastoral missions in local communities, but his administrative skills soon stood out. From 1999 to 2001, he served as prior general of the Augustinians, leading the order globally.
Prevost’s rise in the Church hierarchy accelerated in 2014 when he was appointed bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, working directly with impoverished communities. In 2023, Pope Francis elevated him to cardinal and brought him to the Vatican as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a role that placed him at the heart of Church governance. His multicultural experience, particularly in Latin America, was a key factor in his election.
- Academic background: Doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University.
- Global leadership: Managed the Augustinian Order across over 40 countries.
- Social work: Focused on education and healthcare projects in Peru.
Historic conclave names new pope
The 2025 conclave, which began on May 7, was marked by efficiency and unity. Following Pope Francis’s funeral, the Church observed the novemdiales, a period of daily Masses in his memory. The 135 cardinal electors, summoned to the Vatican, represented unprecedented diversity: 53 from Europe, 23 from Asia, 23 from Latin America, 18 from Africa, 14 from North America, and 4 from Oceania. Francis’s influence, having appointed 108 of the voters, was clear in the selection of a leader aligned with his global vision.
Voting in the Sistine Chapel followed centuries-old rituals. Each cardinal placed their ballot in a chalice, swearing absolute secrecy. White smoke, signaling the election, rose on the afternoon of May 8 after four rounds of voting. Prevost, not initially a frontrunner, gained support for his reputation as a conciliator and administrator.
The process was notably swift compared to historical conclaves that lasted weeks. This speed reflects the cardinals’ urgency to unify the Church amid internal divisions and external pressures. Prevost, upon accepting the role, chose the name John XXIV, honoring John XXIII, the pope who convened the Second Vatican Council.
First steps of John XXIV
After his election, Prevost was led to the Room of Tears, where he donned the white cassock and selected his papal name. From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the cardinal dean proclaimed: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam!” The crowd in St. Peter’s Square celebrated, while millions worldwide followed via social media. John XXIV delivered a brief address, calling for prayers and pledging a Church “open to dialogue and close to the marginalized.”
In the days that followed, the new pope began meetings with Vatican leaders to set priorities. His agenda includes continuing Francis’s reforms, such as decentralizing the Roman Curia and promoting synodality, a governance model emphasizing lay and episcopal participation. Experts note that John XXIV must address issues like minority inclusion, women’s roles in the Church, and ethical challenges in a polarized world.
Francis’s legacy shapes succession
Pope Francis’s pontificate, which ended with his death at 88, profoundly shaped the Church. As the first Latin American pope, he prioritized closeness to the poor, critiques of consumerism, and interfaith dialogue. His appointment of cardinals from peripheral regions, such as Mongolia and South Sudan, broadened the College of Cardinals’ representation. This diversity directly influenced Prevost’s election, as he shares the vision of a less Eurocentric Church.
Francis also simplified papal funeral rites, opting for modesty. His body was laid in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, with burial at Santa Maria Maggiore, breaking the tradition of St. Peter’s. During the novemdiales, cardinals discussed the Church’s future, emphasizing the need for a leader to bridge progressive and conservative divides. Prevost’s moderate stance made him a consensus choice.
- Francis’s reforms: Streamlined Curia and increased lay involvement.
- Global appointments: Cardinals from 70 countries, focusing on peripheries.
- Interfaith dialogue: Meetings with Muslim and Jewish leaders.
- Synodality: Framework for consulting bishops and laity in decisions.
Profile of an American pope
The selection of an American pope surprised many, given the historical European dominance of the papacy. Yet Prevost brings a unique profile. His work in Peru and Rome equipped him to navigate diverse realities, from extreme poverty to the complexities of the Roman Curia. As an Augustinian, he values communal spirituality and simplicity, traits echoing Francis’s style.
His role in the Dicastery for Bishops connected him with episcopates worldwide, reinforcing his global perspective. Fluent in Spanish, Italian, and English, he can communicate effectively across continents. His canon law expertise ensures a technical approach to Church administration, while his pastoral experience suggests attention to grassroots needs.
Global challenges await
The Catholic Church faces complex issues in 2025. Secularization is advancing in Europe, while Catholicism grows in Africa and Asia. John XXIV must navigate ethical debates, such as blessings for same-sex unions, which divide conservative and progressive cardinals. Geopolitical conflicts, like the war in Ukraine, demand an active papal voice for peace.
The new pope also inherits the task of addressing clergy abuse scandals, which have damaged the Church’s credibility. Francis introduced transparency measures, but demands for justice persist. Prevost’s administrative background may strengthen these policies, ensuring greater accountability.
- Secularization: Fewer than 20% of Europeans attend Mass regularly.
- African growth: Africa has 236 million Catholics, with annual increases.
- Abuse scandals: Over 4,000 cases reported in the past decade.
Interfaith dialogue in focus
Prevost has shown commitment to interfaith dialogue. In Peru, he collaborated with indigenous communities, respecting local traditions. At the Vatican, he joined meetings with Muslim and Jewish leaders, aligning with Francis’s vision of an inclusive Church. His election comes amid global tensions, such as Middle East conflicts, requiring diplomatic leadership.
In his first days, John XXIV plans to meet with ambassadors accredited to the Holy See. Expectations are high for him to continue Francis’s stance, condemning violence and fostering interreligious cooperation. His multicultural experience may aid negotiations in conflict zones.
Role of Brazilian cardinals
Brazil, with 123 million Catholics, played a significant role in the conclave. Seven Brazilian cardinals voted: Leonardo Ulrich Steiner, João Braz de Aviz, Paulo Cezar Costa, Orani Tempesta, Odilo Scherer, Jaime Spengler, and Sérgio da Rocha. While no Brazilian was a top contender, the country’s influence was felt in pre-conclave discussions, which emphasized Latin America’s importance.
Sérgio da Rocha, archbishop of Salvador, was mentioned as a potential South American candidate. His progressive stance and work with the Brazilian Bishops’ Conference (CNBB) earned him respect. Brazilian cardinals advocated for continuing Francis’s reforms, shaping Prevost’s election.
Conclave traditions upheld
The 2025 conclave adhered to centuries-old rituals. Cardinals swore an oath of secrecy, and the “Extra omnes” order cleared the Sistine Chapel of non-participants. Ballots, inscribed with “Eligo in summum pontificem,” were burned after each vote. Black smoke signaled inconclusive rounds, while white smoke announced John XXIV’s election.
The conclave’s logistics involved the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where cardinals stayed, and St. Peter’s Basilica, site of the opening Mass. The cardinal camerlengo, Kevin Farrell, oversaw the process, ensuring a smooth transition during the Sede Vacante. The election’s speed surprised observers, given contenders like Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Matteo Zuppi.
- Secrecy oath: Cardinals face excommunication for breaking confidentiality.
- White smoke: Visible signal to millions in St. Peter’s Square.
- Domus Sanctae Marthae: Modern lodging introduced by John Paul II.
- Extra omnes: Latin command ensuring privacy.
Governance and reforms on the horizon
John XXIV takes office with the task of advancing Francis’s reforms. Decentralizing the Roman Curia, begun in 2013, will likely continue, granting more autonomy to regional episcopal conferences. Synodality, encouraging lay participation, remains a priority. Prevost’s experience in the Dicastery for Bishops equips him to implement these changes.
The Vatican’s financial management, rocked by recent scandals, will be another focus. Francis introduced transparency measures, but efficiency is still needed. John XXIV is expected to appoint new leadership for the Institute for the Works of Religion, the “Vatican bank,” in the coming months.
Expectations from the faithful
Millions of Catholics worldwide follow the new pontificate with hope and curiosity. On social media, many celebrate the choice of an American pope, while others question how he will address sensitive issues like priestly celibacy and women’s ordination. In countries like Brazil, there is hope that John XXIV will maintain focus on marginalized communities, as Francis did.
In his first weeks, the pope plans to visit local communities in Rome, following his predecessors’ example. An international trip, possibly to Latin America or Africa, is planned for 2026, according to Vatican sources. These efforts aim to strengthen ties with the faithful and solidify his leadership.
