A New Pope

On May 8th 2025 a new pope was elected, and Cardinal Robert Prevost was the first ever American to ever be elected. He is the 267th pope and in the Church’s 2,000-year history and  is the first American to be appointed to it. He is 69 years old and from Chicago where he was a bishop. Before he was elected many observers had questioned him as a candidate, due to his young age and inexperience. Most thought it was going to be another European, but he was elected. He took the name Pope Leo XIV, and used his first words from the Vatican balcony to give his first speech “a united church, always seeking peace and justice.” The election of a new Pope marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church and its followers worldwide. The difficult process involves the College of Cardinals gathering in seclusion to elect a successor to St. Peter. This event draws global attention, not only from Catholics but also from those interested in the historical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of the papacy. The new Pope steps into a role that carries immense responsibility plus even more pressure than usual from all the European doubters. He has always put all his faith in God even since he was a little boy playing church by himself. I think he’s the most deserving and dedicated man for the job. He has many great years ahead of him since he’s on the younger side for being a pope and he’s going make America proud.