Pope choice Surprise: Leo XIV brings new hope to the Vatican!

Pope choice Surprise: Leo XIV brings new hope to the Vatican!

Vatikanstadt, Vatikan - On May 10, 2025, Pope Leo XIV was elected as the successor to Pope Francis. This election took place in the Vatican and marks an important turning point in the history of the Catholic Church, since Leo XIV is the first American to hold this high post. A total of 133 cardinals in the conclave have coordinated, which is one of the most difficult in the past 50 years. Before the election there was no clear consensus about the name of the new Pope.

The new Pope, who chose the name Leo XIV. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost prevailed against the favorite Pietro Parolin and convinced the cardinals entitled to vote. The white smoke, which rose from the Vatican chimney after the election, confirmed the election Leo XIV.

election procedures and challenges

The pope is chosen secret and with a ballot. In order to be valid, a two -thirds majority of the votes is required. If the number of cardinals entitled to vote is not divisible by three, even one voice is necessary. The election process is divided into three main phases: preliminary stage of the vote, ballot and counting the votes. Liturgies are celebrated before each ballot and prayers are spoken to promote intellectual preparation.

The first vote can take place in the afternoon of the first meeting of the cardinals. After each ballot, the votes are counted, which happens publicly in front of the Cardinal College. The result is displayed by black or white smoke. If there is no decision within the first three days, the choice for one day is interrupted to pray and discuss.

The era Leo XIV.

Cardinal Reinhard Marx was positive about the election and emphasized Leo XIV's language skills, since he also speaks German and communicated in the past with German Augustineers. At his first mass, the new Pope found clear words for atheists and spoke about the challenges of faith in a technology and success-oriented world. He is described as a political pope from which hardly any reforms are expected.

The official inauguration is still pending, but Leo XIV is already showing itself as a man in the middle who acts diplomatically and pragmatically. With his long mission experience in Peru and his previous position as Bishop of Chiclayo, he brings an interesting perspective to the Catholic Church.

President Donald Trump has already congratulated Leo XIV for election and international political attention to the choice shows how important this decision is not only for the Catholic Church, but also for global politics.