By Dorothy Musyoka
In a moment of historic significance, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney and the traditional announcement rang out from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti addressed the world with the solemn declaration:
“I announce to you a great joy; we have a Pope! The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord, Lord Robert Francis Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost who has taken the name Leo XIV,” stated Cardinal Protodeacon.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American-born prelate with decades of missionary and pastoral experience in Latin America, has been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
He succeeds Pope Francis, bringing a fresh perspective and steady hand to the Church at a critical moment in its history.
“God has called me by your election to succeed the Prince of the Apostles, and has entrusted this treasure to me so that, with his help, I may be its faithful administrator.” he stated.
Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Order of St. Augustine and most recently served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
He holds dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship and is deeply respected for his work in social justice, indigenous rights, and Church governance.
In his first appearance as the Successor of Peter from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica the newly elected Pope greeted the world highlighting peace across the globe.
“Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd, who gave His life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you,” possed Pope Leo XIV.
In choosing the name “Leo XIV,” the new pontiff pays tribute to Pope Leo XIII, known for championing the rights of workers and issuing the influential 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching.
In his first appearance from the loggia, the new pope greeted the crowd with a warm “Peace be with you,” before leading a prayer and offering his first apostolic blessing.
According to Vatican News, the episcopal motto of Pope Leo XIV is “In Illo uno unum” words pronounced by Saint Augustine in a sermon on Psalm 127 to explain that “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.”
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church one rooted in tradition yet open to the voices of a diverse and evolving global community.