L'8 maggio 2025, la Chiesa Cattolica ha vissuto un giorno indimenticabile: l'elezione del nuovo papa. Il Cardinale Robert Francis Prevost è stato eletto e ha assunto il nome di Papa Leone XIV. Papa Leone è il primo papa statunitense. Durante la sua prima orazione, si è concentrato sui temi dell'unità, della pace e degli aiuti umanitari. Il papa ha la grande sfida di proseguire le dottrine cattoliche tradizionali e, allo stesso tempo, di proseguire il lavoro di Papa Francesco sulla giustizia sociale e l'inclusività.
On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church witnessed a historic moment with the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. Born in Chicago in 1955, Prevost's election follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.
The conclave, comprising 133 cardinal electors, convened on May 7 and concluded the next day after four ballots. The appearance of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel signaled the successful election. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced the new pope from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, introducing him as Leo XIV. Notably, Leo XIV is also the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine and holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru, reflecting his extensive missionary work in Latin America.
In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized themes of unity, peace, and service. He paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, and highlighted the Church's role as a beacon of hope in challenging times. His choice of the name "Leo" references both Pope Leo I, known for confronting Attila the Hun, and Pope Leo XIII, associated with Catholic social justice, suggesting a commitment to bold leadership and progressive values.
Pope Leo XIV's election has elicited varied reactions. Progressive Catholics hope he will continue Pope Francis' focus on social justice and inclusivity, while conservatives anticipate a reaffirmation of traditional doctrines. Despite these differing expectations, many view him as a unifying figure capable of bridging ideological divides within the Church.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, he faces the challenge of guiding the Church through contemporary issues while honoring its rich traditions. His leadership is anticipated to shape the future direction of the Catholic Church on the global stage.
"...To all of you, brothers and sisters in Rome, in Italy, throughout the world: we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that moves forward, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close above all to those who are suffering.
"Today is the day of the Prayer of Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii. Our Mother Mary always wants to walk at our side, to remain close to us, to help us with her intercession and her love. So I would like to pray together with you. Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole Church, for peace in the world..."
- Pope Leo XIV
