An Unexpected Election: The Conclave of 2025
The 2025 conclave was this month’s main event. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State and a seasoned diplomat, had been the early favorite. His years of experience managing the Church’s global affairs and his close relationship with Pope Francis made him a well-known and respected figure within the Vatican. Yet, Parolin’s candidacy faltered as it became clear that his political experience alone was not enough. There were concerns over his capacity to unite a divided Church and address its most pressing internal issues.
Amid this, Cardinal Robert Prevost, who had been serving as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, emerged as an unlikely candidate. Known for his hands-on experience with pastoral care and his deep commitment to synodality—a concept championed by Pope Francis—Prevost quickly garnered support. His recent appointment by Pope Francis had positioned him as a key figure for reform. Thus, making him capable of bridging the gap between the Vatican’s conservative and progressive wings.
Prevost’s election was also symbolic. First, he the first American pope in the Church’s 2,000-year history. Also, his choice of papal name—Pope Leo XIV—was notable. By selecting the name of Pope Leo XIII, renowned for his advocacy of social justice and labor rights, Prevost signaled his intent to focus on these issues in his pontificate. Thus, positioning himself as a pope attuned to the needs of the marginalized.
Robert Francis Prevost: An Uncommon Journey
Early Life and Education
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Robert Francis Prevost grew up in a multicultural family. He has French, Italian, and Spanish roots. This diverse heritage shaped much of his worldview and influenced his understanding of the global Church’s role in fostering unity. As a young man, he felt a profound call to religious life. Therefore, he entered the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers. Then, he eventually pursued theological and philosophical studies at the renowned Villanova University. It was there that Prevost was exposed to the intellectual and spiritual traditions. These traditions shaped his approach to both theology and pastoral care. His decision to join the Order of Saint Augustine in 1978 took him to Rome, where he further honed his theological training.
Mission in Latin America
In the early 1980s, Robert Prevost was assigned to Peru. This mission defined much of his career and spiritual outlook. He spent several decades ministering to the country’s poorest and most marginalized communities. Doing so, Prevost earned the affectionate nickname « Saint of the North ».
Witnessing firsthand the deep social inequalities and struggles for human dignity, profoundly influenced his theological views. Prevost came to believe that the Church’s role was not only to provide spiritual guidance but also to be a force for social change. These formative years in Latin America shaped the agenda he later brought to the Vatican as a bishop and cardinal. The primal focus was promoting justice and alleviating suffering wherever possible.
Career at the Vatican
In 2014, Prevost’s trajectory shifted when he was ordained as a bishop and named the bishop of Chulucanas, Peru. His pastoral experience, combined with his keen understanding of the Church’s internal workings made him a figure of prominence in the Vatican. His appointment in 2023 as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops placed him in charge of overseeing the selection and appointment of bishops worldwide. This is a critical role that requires both diplomacy and a deep commitment to Church unity. In this position, Prevost was praised for his transparency and collaborative style. He promoted a more open and consultative process for episcopal appointments. His approach emphasized dialogue and cooperation, rather than top-down governance, which resonated with the ethos of Pope Francis’ papacy.
This position also allowed Prevost to shape the global direction of the Church in ways that were aligned with his belief in synodality—the practice of governance by consensus and collective discernment. As Prefect, he worked tirelessly to ensure that the Church’s leadership structure reflected the lived realities of its members, especially those in the global south. Prevost’s management of the Dicastery was widely regarded as transformative, setting the stage for his eventual rise to the papacy.
A Pope for the Future: Priorities and Challenges
Social Engagement
One of the defining features of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate is likely to be his unwavering commitment to social justice. Building on the legacy of Pope Francis, Leo XIV has expressed a strong desire to tackle some pressing global issues. Some of those include poverty, migration, and climate change. He is likey to continue his predecessor’s efforts to create a Church that is both inclusive and compassionate, particularly toward the world’s most vulnerable.
Pope Leo XIV’s papacy will likely focus on reinforcing the Church’s role as a “field hospital,”. This term was once used by Pope Francis. Thus, a place of healing for those broken by society’s injustices. His focus will not only be on moral and doctrinal issues but also on practical, real-world challenges. This requires the Church to engage actively with global concerns. The growing refugee crisis, the rise in global inequality, and the looming environmental crises, all present urgent challenges that Leo XIV has already committed to confronting head-on.
Unity and Internal Reforms
While the Church faces immense external challenges, Pope Leo XIV will also need to navigate the deep internal struggles. The Church’s ongoing sexual abuse crisis, along with divisions over doctrine and leadership, have left many wondering about the future of the institution. Leo XIV has made it clear that he intends to focus on internal reform. He wants to particularly emphasise on transparency and accountability. His approach to governance will likely continue Pope Francis’ emphasis on synodality, involving the broader Church community in decision-making processes and fostering an environment where dialogue is encouraged.
International Relations
Pope Leo XIV has also expressed his commitment to improving relations with other religious denominations and international organizations. The Catholic Church has long played a key role in global diplomacy. Leo XIV’s approach to international relations will likely continue this tradition, with an eye toward promoting greater peace and cooperation.
By prioritizing collaboration between religious communities, particularly in regions where religious conflict is a source of tension, Pope Leo XIV aims to foster a sense of unity that transcends doctrinal divisions. His approach will involve engaging with religious leaders worldwide to address common challenges, from poverty and inequality to the preservation of the planet.
Reactions and Perspectives
Global Reception
The election of Pope Leo XIV was met with an outpouring of support from both religious and political figures around the world. Leaders from different faiths have praised his commitment to dialogue and cooperation. Political leaders have highlighted his deep commitment to human rights, social justice, and the well-being of the poor. The Orthodox Church, in particular, has expressed hope that under Leo XIV’s leadership, Catholic-Orthodox relations will continue to improve.
Expectations from Believers
Among Catholics, particularly in the United States and Latin America, there is a palpable sense of hope and excitement about Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. Many believe that his background as a missionary and his extensive pastoral experience uniquely qualify him to address the spiritual and social needs of the global Church. However, there are also expectations of tension, particularly between more progressive and conservative factions within the Church. Balancing these perspectives will be one of Pope Leo XIV’s greatest challenges as he seeks to maintain unity while advocating for progressive change.
