In May 2025, the world’s eyes were on the Vatican City, the Breathe in St. Peter Square stopped. The smoke rising from the chimney of Cystine Chapel was increasing every heartbeat. Even after three phases of voting, the Pope was not being selected. 133 cardinals from all over the world were engaged in selection of new Pope. Finally, on 8 May, white smoke rose and the 69 -year -old Robert Francis Prevost, Pope was elected with the announcement of Hebemus Papam (we have a pope). His new name will be Pope Leo-14. He was elected the Pope by a two-third majority (89 votes). This is the fifth time since 1900 when the new Pope was selected in two days. They are the first American cardinals, sitting on this sacred posture. Born on 14 September 1955 in Ilinoy, USA, Robert Francis Prevost is considered very close to Pope Francis.
Pope Francis died of pneumonia on 21 April 2025 at the age of 88. In the Vatican, SED Vacant (Latin language word), ie empty posture. The process of choosing a new pope is confidential. The rules are very strict, in which jammers are installed at the election site so that there is no contact from outside. Before the election, all the cardinals take an oath that they will not tell anything about the election process. Each cardinal writes his favorite candidate’s name on a ballot. In the Latin language over him, “I choose the highest Pontif”. Two-thirds of opinion is necessary for victory.
This year, the Conclave had to struggle a lot for the election of the new Pope as no candidate was getting the necessary majority for three stages. Black smoke, which came out on the first day, disappointed the crowd gathered at St. Peter Square. After every round, ballots are burnt and black smoke indicates that the election has not been held yet. Finally, in the fourth round, on 8 May, white smoke brought assurance for everyone.
After the election, Prevost was asked, “Do you accept the election? After his consent, his new naming was reduced to 14, which is a symbol of courage and leadership. After that, after wearing white clothes in the Room of Tier, he made his first blessing address to the balcony of St. Peter Basilica. He said that everyone should be loving and tolerant towards each other. It was a historic moment for the stage.
Ideology and regionalism
Conclave is not only a religious ritual, but also a political platform. So far 200 of 266 Pope have been from Italy. European- especially Italian dominance on this post. But in recent decades, Non-European Pope, such as Francis of Argentina challenged this tradition. In 2025, the confrontation between the progressive and orthodox factions of the church was at its peak.
The tenure of Pope Francis promoted social justice, environmental protection, and generosity towards the LGBTQ+ community. The move divided the church into two parts. Some cardinals from Latin America and Europe wanted to pursue these reforms, while the conservative cardinals of Africa and North America were opposed to gay marriage. He was adamant on traditional principles. This division made the conclave complicated.
This time 133 cardinals weigh 52 cardinals weighing heavy, but Cardinals of Asia (23), Africa (17) and Latin America (21) strengthened the non-European approach against them. Two prominent candidates emerged in the discussion- Italian cardinal, who symbolize conservative and European interests and other Philippine Cardinal-Louis tagal, which was the face of Asia’s emerging influence and progressive approach. Tagal’s popularity, especially his charismatic appearance and social work, was considered a strong contender. Italian cardinals were liked by traditionalists.
Between these two poles, the rise of Robert Prevost is unexpected. 16 cardinals from North America supported his diplomatic experience and liberal stance. Prevost’s name gradually strengthened in informal meetings and conversations, where open publicity is forbidden. His role as the Vatican diplomat in West and East Asia gave him a distinct identity for a balanced approach on global issues, such as climate change, poverty and sexual abuse matters. Following three unsuccessful rounds, Prevost secured two-thirds of votes in the fourth round, the result of an agreement between progressive and orthodox factions.
American Pope’s rise
Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo 14, Born in Chicago is a cardinal, whose life is a confluence of religion and diplomacy. He served in the diplomatic core of the Vatican for decades. His role in peace talks in West Asia and his role in the Vatican-China agreement gave him a global identity. After becoming a cardinal in 2016, he promoted social justice and inter-religious dialogue.
The View of Leo 14 is liberal, which balances progressive and conservative ideas. They remain vocal on the issue of poverty alleviation and climate change. They shy away from the female priest, despite being in favor of increasing the role of women in the church. They are liberal to the LGBTQ+ community but are not advocated to bless gay couples. His stand on issues like celibacy and abortion is traditional.
The arrival of the American Pope not only reflects the increasing influence of North America, but also underlines the new global nature of the church. Prevost selection was the result of a deadlock between Italian and Philipino candidates. Italian Cardinal tried to maintain European domination and Tagal showed Asia’s emerging importance, Prevost served as a link connecting both sides. His diplomatic experience and relatively liberal attitude worked in it.
Global reference
Pope also has an effective role on the global stage. The Vatican City acts like an independent nation and the Pope is its ruler. They meet with world leaders and influence issues like peace, human rights, environment. The diplomatic background of Leo 14 makes him extraordinary in this role. There are many challenges in front of him. First, stop internal division of the church. Balancing between progressive and orthodox factions will be his biggest test. The second challenge is, cases of sexual abuse, which have hurt the credibility of the church.
People believe that the liberal view of Leo 14 can start a new initiative on social justice and environment. The Vatican-China agreement, which is about the appointment of Catholic bishops, is a delicate diplomatic challenge. Prevost experience can help them strengthen this agreement. In addition, peace efforts in West Asia and promotion of dialogue with Islam and Judaism may be their priority.
Tradition ancient, chapter new
The Pope’s position began with St. Peter, which Jesus called a ‘rock’. In the Middle Ages, the Pope shaped the politics of Europe. Pope Gregory I spread Christianity, John Paul II played a role in the collapse of communism and brought the issue of environment and social inclusion to the center. Leo 14 is the carrier of this famous heritage. It is expected that Leo 14 will balance the 14 religion, justice, and governance and establish an ideal. The gathering in St. Peter Square and people gaze at the screen around the world are witness to the fact that this moment is not of one person, but of an era. The journey of Leo 14 has started and the world is looking at him.
