Pope Leo XIV Elected: cnn news live Updates on New Leader
Pope Leo XIV's election is a significant moment for the Roman Catholic Church, marking the first time an American has held the office. With his commitment to social justice and environmental issues, he is expected to build on the reforms of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and promote unity and dialogue among Catholics. As he begins his tenure, he will face significant challenges, but his experience and leadership skills make him well-suited to address them.
Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old American, has been elected as the first American pope in history, taking the name Pope Leo XIV, and will lead the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, succeeding Pope Francis. His election was announced on May 8, 2025, after a conclave of 133 cardinals, and he will be the 267th pope. In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV called for unity and dialogue, urging Catholics to work together to build bridges and engage in missionary work.
Pope Leo XIV, a member of the Augustinian religious order, has extensive experience leading international organizations, having spent over a decade as the prior general of his order. He has also worked as a missionary in Peru and served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023. As pope, he faces significant challenges, including addressing the ongoing clerical sex abuse scandals and navigating the complexities of global diplomacy. Despite these challenges, he is expected to build on Pope Francis' reforms and prioritize the needs of the global church.
Pope Leo XIV shares many priorities with his predecessor, including a strong focus on environmental issues, migrant outreach, and social justice. He has expressed support for vaccination efforts and has been an advocate for social justice movements, including Black Lives Matter. Additionally, he has been critical of President Trump's immigration policies, indicating a commitment to promoting the welfare of marginalized communities. As the first US-born pope, Pope Leo XIV brings a unique perspective to the role, and his election is seen as a significant moment in the history of the Roman Catholic Church.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his tenure, he will be closely watched by Catholics around the world, who will be looking to him for leadership and guidance. With his experience and commitment to social justice, he is well-positioned to address the challenges facing the church and promote unity and dialogue among Catholics. The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new chapter in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, and his leadership will be closely followed by cnn news live and other international news outlets.