Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 12:11 pm
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 6:09 p.m. Rome time on Thursday, signaling that the College of Cardinals had chosen a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21.
Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as the bells of the basilica began to toll, confirming the election of a new pontiff. The crowds gathered as word spread throughout Rome that a new pope had been chosen.
The new pontiff appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at approximately 7:25 p.m. local time, where Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the protodeacon of the College of Cardinals and Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, announced in Latin: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!”
(“I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope!”)
Before appearing on the balcony, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV spent time in the “Room of Tears,” a small chamber adjacent to the Sistine Chapel. This traditionally named room is where new pontiffs first don the papal vestments and have a moment of private prayer and reflection as they absorb the magnitude of their election to the Chair of St. Peter.
Following the announcement, Leo XIV addressed the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square and those watching around the world, offering his first blessing “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) as the new Roman pontiff.
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According to Simeon, Christ is that ‘sign that is spoken against’
One who resists the world and not appeases it.
It is a challenge for all of us.
We must pray for this new shepherd
Habemus Papam! May God grant Pope Leo XIV many blessed years!
As our Bishop here in Switzerland rightly stated, having a Pope from both the Americas, North and South,is quite exciting!
Yes. Pope Leo has actually achieved shock value. What an unexpected blessing to hear a Pope speak USA English. I will have to find a way to forgive him for the Chicago accent! Seriously, what the hec! Hallelujah!
On a more serious note, the last time I heard a Pope homily that motivated me more to evangelize was in Denver in August 1993.
https://abcnews.go.com/International/video/pope-leo-xiv-sing-new-song-lord-homily-121629964
What a great new beginning…
Yes, and family history-wise from the Caribbean also. God bless Haiti!
His wording reminds me of the apocryphal Chinese curse of, “May you live in intersting times.”
These reflections from a back-bleachers layman,
First, expanding the key remark offered by Pope Leo XIV is the original he was actually quoting, from St. Augustine:
“Where I’m terrified by what I am for you, I am given comfort by what I am with you. [then the one-sentence quote] For you I am a bishop, with you, after all, I am a Christian. The first is the name of an office undertaken, the second a name of grace; that one means danger, this one salvation” (on the anniversary of his ordination, and published as Sermon 340).
Second, might we find that the better threads of a listening but very problematic “synodality” will be correctly reframed in 2028 as, yes and only, an “ecclesial assembly”?
A term also used by Benedict XVI already forty years ago—that is, as a less “clericalist” Communio between the ordained hierarchy and the baptized laity; and yet with the successors of the Apostles, the bishops/papacy or “hierarchical communion” of the Church “sent” by Christ (as explained by the Second Vatican Council in Lumen Gentium), clearly intact. A listening and charismatic “structure,” but not to be displaced by a procedural synodal “style.”
Third, the election of Leo XIV: a work of the Holy Spirit.
Such early white smoke for a pope who is refreshingly Augustinian, and who connects to both Leo I (who deflected Attila’s barbarians from sacking Rome), and the 19th-century Leo XIII who first articulated to the industrialized and now post-modern world the fully human Social Teaching of the perennial Catholic Church (Rerum Novarum in 1891, but also earlier encyclicals on Church and State relations and Christian citizenship).
And, a new pope who recalls the conversion (!) of St. Augustine as recounted in his always timely “Confessions.”
Beautiful. Thanks as always Peter.
Augustine’s vision of the episcopate is rooted in humility, service, and trembling responsibility. He likens the office of bishop to a burden—sarcina—not sought out but carried for the good of others. He admits: “Who will not flee from this toil? But the Gospel frightens me.” Yet in accepting the weight of pastoral care, Augustine sees himself not elevated above the faithful but in solidarity with them: “For you I am a bishop, with you I am a Christian.”
In Augustine’s thought, the bishop’s role is not to dominate, but to serve: praeesse (to be in charge) must become prodesse (to be of benefit). The shepherd is to imitate Christ, who bore the cross before ascending to His heavenly throne. Thus, “The chair of Christ is in heaven, because first His cross was on earth.” A bishop must follow that same way of humility. If he does not, “he will not be a bishop.”
In his exhortations—especially against the Donatists—Augustine insists that the true bishop fosters unity, not division. A bishop who tears the Church apart is no shepherd, but a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The true shepherd is Christ Himself, pastor pastorum, and all other shepherds serve only in His name.
Augustine makes a profound reflection on the entrustment of the flock to Peter: in handing over the sheep to him, Christ identified Peter with himself, so that the Lord would always remain the Head, and Peter would represent the Body, that is, the Church. In this union, like bridegroom and bride, they are two in one flesh. This mystical identification marks the pastoral office as one of deep communion, not of separation, and situates the bishop within the spousal mystery of Christ and the Church.
The bishop is to watch over the flock as a servant of Christ and a servant of his servants. His authority is not rooted in prestige or personal merit, but in the election of the Lord and the love he bears for all—especially those who wander: “Do you want to walk in error and go to perdition? I do not want it.” Augustine’s heart goes out even to those who reject him, as a father pursuing his children.
This pastoral charity requires the bishop to be a living model: preacher of the Word, dispenser of the sacraments, teacher, sentinel, and guide. He must direct souls not to himself but to Christ, the true rock. Augustine even warns the faithful not to rely on bishops blindly: “Do what they say, not what they do.” They must remain alert, discerning the voice of the true Shepherd in what is preached, for “if what he says comes from the Lord, it is the Lord who feeds.”
Cardinal Michele Pellegrino, a careful and rigorous reader of Augustine, once noted how, in the mutual prayer of shepherd and flock, “the triumph of charity is celebrated.” It was my personal grace to glimpse Cardinal Pellegrino on his bed of suffering, just before his death, and to offer a silent prayer for him. That brief encounter still speaks to me of the humble dignity that should mark the shepherd of souls—one who bears the Word with both intellect and compassion.
The entire ministry converges in one luminous point: holiness. The bishop is called to love so deeply as to be ready to die for his flock. His distinguishing marks are not worldly power, but humility, sacrificial love, fervent prayer, and a passion for truth.
Ultimately, Augustine offers a vision of the pastor as both man of God and friend of men, guiding the faithful in love because he shares in their condition and leads them not as a master, but as a father. He walks before them as shepherd, but never ceases to walk with them as brother: “For you I am a bishop, with you I am a Christian.”
Rejoicing with the whole Church at the election of Pope Leo XIV! May Our Lady, Mother of the Church, wrap him in her mantle and lead him as she once led the beloved disciple—closer to the Heart of Christ. “Where there is charity, there is peace; and where there is humility, there is charity” (St. Augustine). We entrust him to her Immaculate Heart.
I wish Pope Leo XIV good health and long life to promote the Catholic Faith with his humanity, integrity and humanity. May he bring peace and tranquility to the people of the earth !
I am surprised that the Conclave elected an American. He must be good.
Dear William,
Here is my suggestion for Leo XIV in order to continue the social doctrine of Leo XIII:
Catholic Education in Solidarity with the Poor
St. Ignatius of Loyola, when he established Jesuit schools and colleges in the sixteenth century, insisted that no tuition fees be charged to the students in order that the poor might participate with the rich. Today, student fees in some of our Catholic Colleges here in the USA are exceeding $60,000 a year. If we find that we cannot afford to keep our schools open to the poor, the Church should be ready to use its resources for something else which can be kept open to the poor. We cannot allow our Church to become a church primarily for the middle-class and rich while throwing a bone to the poor. The priority should be given to the poor even if we have to let the middle-class and rich fend for themselves.
Practically speaking, the Catholic Schools must give up general education in those countries where the State is providing it. The resources of the Church could then be focused on “Confraternity of Christian Doctrine” and other programs which can be kept open to the poor. These resources could then be used to help society become more human in solidarity with the poor. Remember, the Church managed without Catholic Schools for centuries. It can get along without them today. The essential factor from the Christian point of view is to cultivate enough Faith to act in the Gospel Tradition, namely, THE POOR GET PRIORITY. The rich and middle-class are welcome too. But the poor come first.
Are you talking about the ‘poor in spirit’ or the ‘poor in material goods’?
Why are you cutting and pasting this same post repeatedly on this site? You don’t even bother to change your wording. Your post is nothing more than a Marxist redistribution scheme. The poor are not the priority. They certainly do not come first.
The lay teachers today mostly don’t take a vow of poverty, like the sisters and other religious used to, so we have to pay them a living salary. In our area the farmers would bring the nuns in fresh eggs, milk etc.. as they only got $25 per month at one time, and many times their cupboards were sparse, but they did get to eat lunch at the school cafeteria. They were Dominicans and excellent teachers although quite the disciplinarians at times.
Did we hear yet how the Oklahoma supreme court case turned out or are they still deliberating it?; there’s no reason some of the public money cannot go to parochial or private schools, but they have to be subject to some accreditation in the basics at least.
So, I’m repeating myself also but if parishes had a stewardship program funding their schools everyone could attend tuition free. I know one parish that does that. The problem is finding parishioners who want to commit their tithe and talents.
Perhaps you need to reread the Gospels.
The poor will always be with us because the poor are sinners too in need of salvation. And your Church run in accord with the values of Judas Iscariot is a certain path to its total destruction.
I have high hopes for Leo XIV (Leo XIII was a great Pope!). May he soon clarify doctrinal matters where Bergoglo was ambiguous, beginning with answering the dubia submitted by Cardinal Burke and others.
God bless Leo XIV !!
Yes and may he trash the scandalous same sex “couple “ blessings asap!
Why are you cutting and pasting this same post repeatedly on this site? You don’t even bother to change your wording. Your post is nothing more than a Marxist redistribution scheme. The poor are not the priority. They certainly do not come first.
He did say the poor will always be with you but He would not be. He did also say we need to care for the least of our brothers, because when you do so you were caring for Him.
The world actually had a better society when most people were poor, not taking into consideration the suffering. Money is mucking up the US and the world in a big way.
boy are you 100% wrong. the roman catholic church has moved into sin and evil when it became a tool of the Roman Empire and then the aristocracy of Europe. Christ was never spoke of a preference for the rich and power, always, always, the opposite. In short Opus Dei is wrong in every way possible.
He holds some of Francis’ ideas strongly, but already seems harder line on abortion and sexual morality.
Always difficult to know what a man holds to strongly. Even the farcical practice of synods with predetermined results, does not preclude a prelate from saying the concept of broad-based consultations is not a bad idea, without holding to it strongly.
And blessings for gays before his having a chance to detail a position, is not likely to share the same views of the late pope given they are from a man, who goes much further than many of the accommodation-minded in having described homosexuality as learned behavior and not determined at birth.
No offense or detriment to their respective offices and ranks of the Cardinalate, but I’m grateful that they didn’t choose Cupich, Tagle, or Parolin.
Leo XIV was a great pick.
When I heard “Roberto…” for a moment I thought it was going to be Robert Cardinal Sarah…
I am embarrassed, as with long standing (going back to 2000 in Chicago and later in his diocese in Peru where hush money was paid) allegations of mishandling abusers and children victims, his elevation to the Chair shows remarkably poor judgement, fuel for Church haters, militant atheists, right wing and left wing, and status quo/business as usual in the Vatican.
And yes, I’d be saying the same of Burke or Sarah had they the exact same allegations hanging over them.
Scripture is quite clear that bishops should be free of any taint of scandal, and surely THE bishop.
I hope and pray that Leo XIV will adopt the character of St. Pope Leo I the Great than that of Pope Leo XIII. The Great Leo was a giant of a pope, only one of three popes having appended to his name “the Great” appellation. Leo I is also a Doctor of our church. Leo I helped heal disunities and downright schisms rendered by a number of Christological heresies.
May the new pope be bold in love, a man of God, a son of Mary, and a pillar of truth. May he always remember that Jesus prayed for Peter and for him.
He needs to bergoglio Rupnik immediately.
McElroy and Tucho and Cupich too.
It looks like Trump’s tariffs are working to reset global trade. Even the Pope was made in America.
Leo was made in the USA but with African, Caribbean, and European parts. Then, he was exported to Peru.
Who can doubt that Jesus Christ is Lord and that free markets work?
I like those comments, God’s Fool.
🙂
Robert Honavar above – Thanks for the laugh!
Seemingly the time is not yet right for man of non european ancestry to occupy the Petrine office however Prevost does get the semiotics right. He looks and acts like someone who understands the awesome responsibility of the papacy. We have all had enough of the secular media pleasing alternative with its «anglicanizing» dynamic, although that dynamic appears to have stalled over the choosing of a new chief prelate.
The secular commentators on HH’s election already are getting the knife in, he will be too busy to read their jottings, mercifully.
Viva il Papa! y ¡no hacer lío!
Pope Leo is of African, Caribbean, and European ancestry. He has as much in common with the African St. Augustine as the Saints of France. Perhaps Pope Leo sought to honor his mom (Creole New Orleans roots) and dad (French roots) with the fleur-de-lis on his crest:
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/264033/vatican-releases-pope-leo-xivs-official-portrait-and-signature-showing-return-to-tradition
Why did you say non- European ancestry? He has a mixture of ethnicities including European -just as many other Americans do.
When PF appeared on the loggia I was immediately filled with dread. I didn’t know who he was or anything about him. Since then I have credited this feeling of dread as a gift of the Holy Spirit.
This time, as Leo XIV appeared, I felt hopteful that the Almighty has answered our prayers for a Catholic pope.
The young priests seem to be filled with the Holy Sprit.
Is the chastisement on the wane?
The young are turning in large numbers to Christianity according to news reports.
The Beloved One is making all things new again?
Like St Augustine turning to Catholicism after a nervous breakdown – is Our Church reverting to Catholicism after a nervous breakdown?
Do we have a Shepherd in wolf’s clothing?
Have the deceivers been deceived?
I wonder if he is a Bears fan? The White Sox need some Divine intervention.