On May 8, during the second day of the papal conclave, white smoke appeared from the Sistine Chapel and the new pope was announced. Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV was elected as the new pope, following Pope Francis. He is the first pope to be born in the United States along with being the first to have Peruvian citizenship and be from the Order of Saint Augustine. As his papacy begins Pope Leo hopes to move the Catholic Church in the right direction and unite its members during challenging times. 

Pope Leo was born on Sept. 14, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois to his parents and two older brothers. He grew up regularly attending church and he was an altar server and a member of his local choir. He attended Villanova University and earned a bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. In 1977 he joined the order of Saint Augustine. He was ordained a deacon in 1981 and then ordained a priest in Rome in 1982. He then went on to join a mission in Peru. He was later named Bishop of Chiclayo before being elected pope last month. 

Prevost chose the name Pope Leo in honor of Pope Leo XIII, referencing the lives of men and women. He stresses the need for responsibility while using social media. During his first message he emphasized the greeting of peace of the risen Jesus and how Jesus is a light needed by the world. He is very committed to environmental action and he advocates for strong action against climate change. Pope Leo also prioritizes outreach to migrants and the poor while supporting women in leadership roles. 

So, as the new pope gets settled, the Catholic Church is excited to open this new chapter in the Church. It is important to not get caught up in the political side of the Church, but stay focused on what is important – faith.