New Pope in Power

By: Phoebe Baker

After the death of Pope Francis on April 21st, 2025, the cardinals convened for a secretive conclave to choose his successor. White smoke coming from the Sistine Chapel on May 8th signified a choice, and former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago took on the name Pope Leo XIV. 

Leo XIV is the first ever American pope, and his beliefs in many ways align with his predecessor, who expanded the diversity of cardinals in the Catholic Church, and expressed support for the LGBTQIA+ community and environmental groups. 

The new Pope’s name was reportedly chosen in honor of Pope Leo XII, an Industrial revolution-era champion of workers’ rights and activist groups (NPR).

 Pope Leo hails from Chicago, but spent much of his service as a cardinal in Peru. His humility and dedication to building “a church founded on God's love, a sign of unity, a missionary church that opens its arms to the world,” have endeared him the support of many people in the Catholic Church. Cardinal Wilton Gregory told reporters, “...from one Southsider of Chicago to another, I promise you [Pope Leo] my respect, my fidelity, and my love” (NPR).