New Pope Leo XIV.: Hope for the church in change!

New Pope Leo XIV.: Hope for the church in change!

Vatikanstadt, Vatikan - On May 8, 2025, Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new Pope and now bears the name Leo XIV Prevost, a 69-year-old American religious man, follows Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Prevost is the first American in the papal office and also has Peruvian citizenship. His choice by 133 cardinals in the Vatican is considered a surprise, since Prevost was not one of the favorites. The choice took place in the conclave, which is referred to with the term "cum clave", ie "with the key" from the Latin, and where only cardinals entitled to vote are present under 80 years.

Prevost was described as Cardinal in the middle. In his previous career he gained experience in the training of young religious and in the management of church authority; Previously, he was head of the Vatican Authority for Bishops. During his time in Peru, where he was bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023, he made close connections to the concerns of the Latin American continent. Prevost is characterized as diplomatic and pragmatic, with a touch of progressiveness. In his first speech as a Pope, he addressed peace, freedom and dialogue between the different faiths.

A new course for the Catholic Church

The choice of Leo XIV is not only interpreted as the continuation of the line of Pope Francis, but also as an opportunity to set new accents in the Catholic Church. Prevost aims to tackle current issues such as abuse, celibacy and sexual morality. In this context, his choice is also an answer to social challenges with which the church is confronted. However, critics accuse him of not being sufficiently acting in the event of abuse cases, which raises questions about his position regarding the sexual morality and dealing with queer people.

his connection to Francis, in particular through her joint experiences in Latin America, could serve as the basis for continuity in the orientation of the Catholic Church. Even if Prevost is considered a compromise candidate and bridge builder, it remains to be seen how his approaches will influence the church and its international presence.

The way to the new Pope

The conclave for the election of the new Pope took place under strict security measures in the Sistine chapel. The master of ceremonies terminated the beginning of the election with the call "Extra omnes!" on, whereupon all people who were not eligible to vote had to leave the room. Significant historical aspects, such as the strict isolation of the cardinals entitled to vote and the duty of confidentiality during the vote, characterize the process that has been reformed over the centuries. In retrospect, there were also historical interference and long elections, the longest conclave of which lasted three years in the 13th century.

The decision for Leo XIV. A criticism of refugee policy among Donald Trump could also be a criticism of his predecessor's vision to see migration as a human right. His term of office begins with the hope of organic change within the church and a stronger internationality that is considered necessary to do justice to today's global reality. The coming weeks and months will show how Leo XIV will tackle these challenges.