On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church made history as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American, was elected as the new pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. He becomes the first American to ever lead the Roman Catholic Church, which serves over a billion followers worldwide.
The announcement came just hours after the start of the conclave, when white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that a new pope had been chosen.
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who stepped down due to old age and health concerns after more than a decade of leadership. Before his election, Leo XIV had a distinguished career in the Church’s mission in South America, particularly in Peru, where he served as Bishop of Chiclayo.
The Church now looks to Pope Leo XIV to guide it through a new era, with hopes for stronger unity, social justice, and renewed faith among Catholics worldwide.
Remembering the first 15 popes of the church
- Saint Peter (32–67): 35 years
- Saint Linus (67–76): 9 years
- Saint Anacletus (Cletus) (76–88): 12 years
- Saint Clement I (88–97): 9 years
- Saint Evaristus (97–105): 8 years
- Saint Alexander I (105–115): 10 years
- Saint Sixtus I (115–125): 10 years
- Saint Telesphorus (125–136): 11 years
- Saint Hyginus (136–140): 4 years
- Saint Pius I (140–155): 15 years
- Saint Anicetus (155–166): 11 years
- Saint Soter (166–175): 9 years
- Saint Eleutherius (175–189): 14 years
- Saint Victor I (189–199): 10 years
- Saint Zephyrinus (199–217): 18 years
With Pope Leo XIV now seated at the helm of the Church, the world watches with hope as a new chapter begins in the Vatican.
