Pope Leo appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after white smoke billowed from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, signifying the 133 cardinal electors had chosen him as a successor to Francis, who died last month.

Peace be with you all,” he told the cheering crowd, speaking in fluent Italian. He also spoke in Spanish during his brief address but did not say anything in English.

Prevost, 69 and originally from Chicago, has spent most of his career as a missionary in Peru and has dual Peruvian nationality. He became a cardinal only in 2023. He has given few media interviews and is known to have a shy personality.

President Donald Trump swiftly congratulated him on becoming the first U.S. pope. “What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”

However, the new pope has a history of criticizing Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s policies, according to posts on the X account of Robert Prevost.
Massimo Faggioli, an Italian academic who has followed the papacy closely, suggested the tenor of the Trump presidency might have influenced the cardinals to choose a pope from the U.S., who could directly rebut the president.

The appointment was welcomed by the Peruvian presidentDina Boluarte.
“His closeness to those most in need left an indelible mark on the hearts of Peru,” her office said in a post on X.

Prevost becomes the 267th Catholic pope following the death of Francis, who was the first from Latin America and who ruled for 12 years.

Francis had widely sought to open the staid institution up to the modern world, enacting a range of reforms and allowing debate on divisive issues such as women’s ordination and better inclusion of LGBT Catholics.

Leo thanked Francis in his speech and repeated his predecessor’s call for a Church that is engaged with the modern world and “is always looking for peace, charity and being close to people, especially those who are suffering”.

He had not been seen as a frontrunner and there was a brief moment of uncertainty when his name was announced to the packed St. Peter’s Square, before people started to clap and cheer.

“I’m just thrilled. I hope this can bring to America a more loving community. I think there’s a lot of hate in America. I think there’s a lot of racism. I have experienced it,” said Lailah Brown, 28, an African American from Seattle.

“I hope America does not embarrass the pope,” she said.

Unlike Francis, who spurned much of the trappings of the papacy from the day he was elected in 2013, Prevost wore a traditional red papal garment over his white cassock as he first appeared as Leo XIV.

SNAP, a US-based advocacy group for victims of clerical sex abuse, expressed “grave concern” about his election, renewing accusations that Prevost failed to take action against suspected predatory priests in the past in Chicago and in Peru.

“You can end the abuse crisis — the only question is, will you?” it said in a statement addressed to the new pope.

In an interview with the Vatican News website in 2023, Prevost said the Church must be transparent and honest in dealing with abuse allegations.
CHICAGO CELEBRATES

A crowd of clergy and staff members at Chicago’s Catholic Theological Union erupted in a joyful cheer as Pope Leo walked out onto the Vatican balcony, some four decades after he graduated from the South Side school.

It was an “explosion of excitement and cheers that went up in the room … many of us were just simply incredulous and just couldn’t even find words to express our delight, our pride,” said Sister Barbara Reid, president of the theology school.

Pope Leo graduated from the school in 1982 with a master’s degree. Reid called Leo intellectually brilliant, saying he has an extraordinarily compassionate heart.

“It’s an unusual blend that makes him a leader who can think critically, but listens to the cries of the poorest, and always has in mind those who are most needy,” she said.
THE NAME LEO

The last pope to take the name Leo led the Church from 1878-1903. Leo XIII was known for his devoted focus to social justice issues, and is often credited with laying the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching.

Prevost has attracted interest from his peers because of his quiet style and support for Francis, especially his commitment to social justice issues.

Prevost served as a bishop in Chiclayo, in northwestern Peru, from 2015 to 2023.
Francis brought him to Rome that year to head the Vatican office in charge of choosing which priests should serve as Catholic bishops across the globe, meaning he has had a hand in selecting many of the world’s bishops.

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Laid to rest today, I want to pay tribute to Pope Francis, a man who has left an indelible mark on the fight for equality. As a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, I am deeply grateful for Pope Francis’s unwavering commitment to love, acceptance, and inclusivity.

Pope Francis’ words and actions have been a beacon of hope for many in the LGBTQ+ community. When asked about gay priests, he said in July 2013, “If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them?” These words resonated deeply with his like-minds, reflecting a recognition that every individual deserves dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Pope’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion was evident in his actions. In June 2015, he joined 90 prison inmates for lunch, including 10 from the ward housing those who are gay, transgender, or have HIV/AIDS. This act of kindness and compassion demonstrated his willingness to reach out to marginalized communities and show love and acceptance.

Pope Francis’ words offered a powerful message of support and acceptance to LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. “We have to find a way to help that father or that mother to stand by their [LGBTQ+] son or daughter,” he said in December 2014. These words testify to his understanding of the importance of family support and acceptance in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals.

As someone who has been persecuted in Uganda for speaking out for the LGBTQ+ community, I am deeply grateful for Pope Francis’ empathy and understanding. “Sometimes it happens that you feel disappointed, discouraged, abandoned by all: but God does not forget his children, he never abandons them!” Francis said in March 2015, resonating deeply with me. Francis leaves a legacy behind that the LGBTQ+ community is not alone, and that there are people who care and want to support them.

Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to inspire us to work towards a more inclusive and compassionate world. His words, “Families today need miracles!” (December 2014), remind us that love and acceptance can bring about miracles and transform lives.

As we remember Pope Francis, we honor his legacy of love and acceptance. I recall his commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion and his willingness to challenge traditional norms and expectations. May we continue to draw inspiration from his example and strive to create a world that is more loving, more accepting, and more inclusive for all.

In a world that often seeks to divide and exclude, Pope Francis’ message of love and acceptance is more relevant than ever. His legacy serves as a reminder that we are not alone, and that there are people who care and want to support us. As we move forward, let us continue to draw inspiration from his example and work towards a world that is more just, more compassionate, and more inclusive for all.

Pope Francis’ impact on the LGBTQ+ community will be remembered for generations to come. His commitment to love and acceptance has inspired countless individuals around the world, and his legacy will continue to inspire us to work towards a more just and compassionate world.

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