Leo XIV Breaks Tradition as First American Pope — What Path Will He Take?
On the 8th (local time), white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican at around 6:08 p.m., signaling the election of a new pope during the conclave (a secret meeting of cardinals). Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost (69) of the United States was elected as the 267th pope.
The newly elected pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has taken the papal name Leo XIV. Known for emphasizing reform and communication within the modern Catholic Church, his election was widely regarded by international media as a surprising and unexpected choice. Notably, he was elected pope just over a year after being officially made a cardinal, which added to the shock.
Pope Leo XIV was elected in the fourth round of voting during the conclave, receiving nearly 80% of the 133 votes—about 105 votes. Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines and Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson of Ghana, who were considered strong contenders, reportedly received very few votes.
Cardinal You Heung-sik, who participated in the conclave, explained, “A few names stood out in the first vote, the second vote narrowed the field further, and the third vote made things even clearer. In the fourth vote, the support surged toward Leo XIV.” He added, “As soon as it was confirmed that he had surpassed the required 89 votes, everyone stood up, clapped, and the room erupted in celebration.”
Analysts believe Pope Leo XIV is signaling a continuation of the theological, doctrinal, and pastoral direction of his predecessor, Pope Francis, but with a slightly stronger emphasis on tradition and formality.
Both Pope Leo XIV and Pope Francis share similar theological and doctrinal views, following the direction of the Catholic Church as established by the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s.
Although he has deferred the ordination of female deacons and clearly opposes the ordination of women as priests or bishops, Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue Pope Francis’s policy of including laypeople and women in synods (gatherings of Catholic representatives).
He is also likely to maintain a proactive stance on environmental issues such as the climate crisis and a tolerant approach toward immigrants, suggesting that tensions with the former U.S. Trump administration may persist.
[Editor. Miso]
