Pope Leo XIV - A Spiritual Shepherd, Let Us Pray

While parts of the world were on fire, wars raged, innocent men, women, and children being the victims, the eternal city, Rome, was for a brief period the center of much of the world’s attention. The Catholic Church would select its 267th pope, and successor to St. Peter. The ancient ritual has over the centuries been the cause of great controversy, at times violence, and also celebration; there’s even a smattering of politics that exists in the selection.

With the passing of Pope Francis on April 21 (2025), the conclave of the College of Cardinals from 71 countries gathered in Vatican City to vote for the one who would fill the “Shoes of the Fisherman.” Fifteen days after the seat of St. Peter was vacated, and nine days of official mourning, on May 6, the Cardinals gathered inside the Sistine Chapel, without any modern devices, including phones. They would remain behind sealed doors until a new Pope was elected.

On May 8, after three votes were taken without a candidate and the thousands of faithful waiting in St. Peter’s Square, the white smoke finally emerged from the chimney on the fourth vote. The 133 Cardinals had chosen the new Pope. The gathered faithful and the world were introduced to Pope Leo XIV, a/k/a Robert Francis Prevost, the first American Pope in the Church's 2000-year-plus history. 

As the new Pontiff stepped out onto the Vatican balcony, the crowd erupted in applause, cheers, and shouting “Leo, Leo, Leo.” Arms raised in victory, Pope Leo spoke “Peace be with you all.” He continued to speak in Italian and Spanish. “We have to look together how to be a missionary church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms to all who need our charity, our presence, and love.” 

The Pontiff continued his message to the thousands gathered. “The world must be a united people, and close to those who are suffering. The Church must walk with all people, especially the most vulnerable, ensuring their dignity is upheld from the womb to the end of life; this is the heart of Christ’s mission.” Pope Leo is recognized for his empathy and deep concern for the poor and marginalized, and believes we all have an obligation to support and extend a helping hand.

Robert Francis Prevost a/k/a Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955. The 69-year-old Pontiff was a graduate of Villanova University in 1977 with a degree in mathematics, and is fluent in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Latin. He was ordained a priest in June 1982 in the Augustinian order, elevated to Bishop in December 2014, and Cardinal in September 2023.

In 1985, Father Prevost moved to Peru as a missionary, and remained there for 30 years, 10 of those as pastor and teacher at Trujillo seminary. As bishop, he became a Peruvian citizen, and continued his pastoral service to the poor and marginalized communities.

In 2023, then-Cardinal Prevost was called to the Vatican and elevated to Rank Cardinal Deacon, and then Cardinal Bishop of Rome until 2025. He became a close confidant to Pope Francis, and was involved in reforms initiated by Francis to modernize the Church. He also led the Dicastery for Bishops that oversaw the vetting process for selecting bishops.

Pope Leo will have to address a number of pressing issues, in particular the financial scandal that has beset the Vatican. Inefficient and reckless investing has created a crisis that questions its viability, and threatens its pension funds. The Vatican is in dire need of good governance, and Leo has a reputation for efficiency and the rule of law, and his mathematical knowledge will perhaps provide the needed changes for establishing stability.

Since being elected on May 9, fewer than two weeks ago, Pope Leo has been scrutinized by every conceivable entity - the faithful, other religious denominations and clergy, the media, politicians, the entertainment industry, and the malcontents, naysayers, and smear merchants. I have read and heard from both sides of the ideological spectrum, Right and Left, and the opinions are varied.

The new Pope has found favor with many, both Catholic and non-Catholic. He is also being castigated and criticized for his positions on issues that strictly follow traditional Catholic teachings and doctrine; abortion, same-sex marriage, LGBTQ, transgenderism, and euthanasia. And there are conservatives who reject his position on immigration, but acceptance of some of the same positions held by Pope Francis.

But let’s give Pope Leo a chance, the opportunity to further define for us the extent of his philosophical beliefs, and not rush to judgment. And let us hope that he will exert his spiritual and sacred commitment to the Church, the faithful, and Jesus Christ above all, and not be overshadowed by political dogma and cultural obscenities.