Millions of people from around the world watched as Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, offering hope as the new leader of the Catholic Church.

The process of selecting this new pope began with the conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel.

Cardinals under the age of 80 vote to elect a new pope, and a two-thirds majority is needed; ballots are burned after each vote.

Black smoke signifies no decision, and white smoke signifies that a new pope has been chosen.

As the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide, the new pope is challenged with guiding the Church through its sacred traditions while also guiding the ever evolving world.

Pope Leo XIV was born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955 in Chicago Illinois, making him the first American pope in history.

His mother is from Spain and his father is of French and Italian descent.

He became a member of the Augustinian order in 1977 and he was ordained in Rome in 1982.

In 1985, he was sent as a missionary to Perú and in 2014, Pope Francis named him apostolic administrator of the diocese in Chiclayo, Perú.

On September 26, 2015, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo by Pope Francis. 

Later, Pope Francis called him to Rome as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, promoting him to the rank of Archbishop. 

Like Pope Francis, who emphasized compassion, humility, and care for the poor, the new pope steps into his role with a vision for unity.

While each pope brings a unique perspective to the Church, the new pope offers a continuation of hope and is open to the needs of today’s world.