White Smoke and a Historic Moment
On Thursday, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the 133 cardinals had elected a new pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago was introduced as Pope Leo XIV—the first American to lead the Catholic Church and the 267th pontiff in history.
A Message of Peace and Hope
In his first public address, Leo appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and greeted crowds with a message of peace.
“This is the peace of the risen Christ.”
Speaking days later on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, he urged an end to wars in Ukraine and Gaza and called for humanitarian aid and the release of prisoners and hostages. He also praised a ceasefire between India and Pakistan as a hopeful sign for lasting diplomacy.
A Pope in Prayer
On Saturday, Leo made a quiet stop at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, praying at the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and before the beloved icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani—a tradition Pope Francis held dear.
Regina Caeli and a Call to the Faithful
On Sunday, Leo delivered the Regina Caeli prayer from the main loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. An estimated 100,000 people filled the square as the new pope asked for prayers, especially for the priesthood.
Balancing Faith and American Identity
With his American roots and the complex global landscape, experts say Pope Leo XIV must carefully balance his leadership.
“He is going to be a bridge builder,” said Rev. Stephen Spahn of Loyola University Maryland, emphasizing Leo’s likely effort to lead from a universal Christian perspective—not a political one. Still, observers expect he won’t shy away from addressing U.S. issues when they intersect with the Church’s mission.
A New Era Begins
As Pope Leo XIV takes the helm, he inherits a Church facing global conflict, division, and hope. His early gestures—calls for peace, interfaith healing, and devotion—set the tone for a papacy rooted in diplomacy, compassion, and unity.
Keep up the stances of the new pope with us on Que Onda Magazine.